Miracles in a Lifetime

IX • THE CHAIRMAN ☓ PHASE THREE

     I walk aimlessly through the empty halls of the white blimp. The events of yesterday play through my mind like a tape in my head. A small smile plasters on my face.

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FLASHBACK

     "That I shall do to my best ability, then. Hearing about your childhood life, it brings sadness to my heart that there was yet another child who suffered torment that no one should've experienced. It's heartbreaking to hear that you never had a real family...

     "Very well. I've decided exactly on what I'm going to do. As a bonus to help you reach your goal, I will gladly act as your fatherly figure. Everyone deserves a family, no matter who they are, or what they did," the Chairman said. The words that came out of his mouth shocked me so much that my mouth hung open.

     This was probably the number one most unexpected thing on my list of most unexpected things. It sounded interesting, so of course, I agreed, but I was still confused as to what he was talking about.

     "What is a fatherly image?" Chairman Netero widened his eyes in surprise and covered his mouth as he stifled his laugh. I raised an eyebrow in perplexity, but he waved it off.

     "I apologize for laughing. Ahem," he cleared his throat, "a fatherly image is a person who acts as a father in replace of one who wasn't there."

     My eyebrows rose in surprise.

     "What? Why would you want to act as my father even though you just met me? Even though you know that I've killed many people? Even though I'm a criminal? I cannot fathom your decision," I asked in bewilderment. In response, the Chairman just sent me a closed-eye smile, confusing me even more.

     "I know that I don't know you well, but from the encounters we've had, I can already tell. You're not a bad person. You're just misunderstood by people, and by yourself. All you are doing is trying to find who you are. You're doubting yourself, keeping your own morale.

     "I can see your potential," he suddenly brought up.

     "And... and what makes you think that I've got potential?" I asked with slight uncertainty. Chairman smirked at my question, as if he was internally laughing at something.

     "Well, you have the talent, first of all. You've killed many strong nen-users. What kind of person wouldn't see any potential? Not only that, but I can see your aura, and it is strong. Nearly as strong as mine, if I say so myself, and will be stronger with some proper guidance and training. It's quite a scary thought, knowing that you haven't even harnessed that power, and yet, there are tremendous amounts.

     "Once you pass the Hunter Exam, I'll see to it myself that you learn Nen and different techniques." This made me narrow my eyes in suspicion, but also made me slightly proud of myself. I would think it was a big deal to be trained by Chairman Netero himself.

     Getting a little excited, I nodded and genuinely smiled out of my own happiness. His wrinkly eyes widened in surprise and then relaxed into a small smile, making my heart warm up. It was a weird feeling, but I didn't dislike it.

     So this is what it feels like to have a father, I thought to myself. To top off my surprise, he wrapped his arms around me, embracing me with warmth. I had never felt so much comfort. I know for sure that I want to experience this more in the future.