Ajal.
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Chapter 177: Aftershocks
🕑 Added 2025-10-28 09:37:03 +0000 UTC*Mewtwo Strikes Back*’s summer viewing storm showed spare seats only on day five. Theater managers eyed sky-high occupancy with mixed joy—bonuses secured—and worry: staff had rotated nonstop for a week, pitching in on lobby order, sales, cleaning, hauling.
By August’s first weekend, the phenomenon’s daily box office finally flagged. Chains exhaled, quietly resetting screens to the initial 35%.
Cinema calm restored, but a higher storm brewed: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).
“Section chief, morning petitions—seven crates,” a young clerk gestured at towering boxes, despairing. “Faxes nonstop—parent petitions via local boards.” The chief pinched his brow over a media op-ed: “A Cartoon Sparks National Reflection: What’s Missing in Our Education?” Old tropes, but triggered by animation—absurd yet unavoidable. Public outcry demanded response, or ministerial grilling loomed.
“Call all heads—meeting now,” he ordered.
Atmosphere tense. “Parents demand life ethics in K-12 curriculum,” the chief scanned. “Views?” A graying official coughed: “Overreaction to a cartoon—precedent risks endless revisions.” Social education head countered: “Nationwide voice, not niche. Teen crime rising—we must act, or face inaction blame. Film’s questions merit thought.”
“Textbooks? Teachers?” Debate raged until the chief tapped: “Arguing pointless. We need clear, positive response.” Rising: “PR—press conference. We’ve received feedback; seriously considering ethics integration.”
Next day, under flashes, MEXT spokesman echoed earnestly. Internal haggling? Later problem.
Adults’ policy wars aside, kids obsessed over lobby lottery machines for golden Mewtwo balls.
50 nationwide—one per prefecture-ish. Absurd odds, but hope persisted. Queues dawn to dusk; rattling machines mixed prayers and sighs in unique symphony. Sega’s generous consolations—Pikachu keychains, Squirtle coins, Bulbasaur stickers—softened losses with participation.
Nationwide rarity drew another crowd. “Dad, I must have Mewtwo!” a suited boy demanded of his portly father. Hall charters surged—dozens of stubs for odds. Results: bags of trinkets hauled by stoic bodyguards, tantrums ensuing. Spectacles became egalitarian laughs for regulars.
Twist day two: Media sharks nabbed first winners. TV: Hokkaido girl shyly showed sleek Mewtwo pet. Frenzy reignited—real wins! Charters multiplied; scalpers flipped stubs.
Peak absurdity: Osaka’s gritty Nishinari. A young worker, fresh job, caught a screening on wages, casually drew gold. Envy swarmed; he plotted resale for cash. Unseen malice trailed.
Midnight, dreaming of yen, floor creak woke him. Shadow rifled—target: pet. Adrenaline surged; bat in hand, he charged. Thief, amateur, overwhelmed. Cops arrived to bruised burglar and pristine prize, bemused.
“Man Breaks In for Limited Toy, Subdued by Owner” blasted nationwide, sparking fresh limited-marketing debates rivaling MEXT’s gravity.
