Chapter 78: The Elegant Assassin

Kaka entered the game for twenty minutes, and the score changed from 1-0 to 1-1.

Being objective, this efficiency wasn't low, but for Kaka, who had spent five honor points, the cost-benefit ratio was poor.

The card's effect only lasted for half an hour, which could probably sustain him until the end of the first half. So it was best to level the score in the first half; otherwise, it would only get harder afterward.

Unfortunately, though the card gave him a striker's instinct, it couldn't directly transform him into Inzaghi himself. With the defenders consciously marking him, the chances Kaka could seize were minimal.

This forced Kaka to consciously increase his backtracking distance.

This retreat seemed to open a new world for him.

Since he was using Inzaghi's football star card, Kaka had been treating himself as Inzaghi, but he forgot that his current situation should actually be a combination of Kaka and Inzaghi. Defining himself as an opportunist in this state was too rigid and foolish.

The system could grant talents and skills, but not match habits or personal styles. Mechanically mimicking someone's playing style after acquiring their talents and skills was inertial thinking, a detour.

The football star card's purpose was to enhance, not replace.

If Kaka had to be compared to a template during these thirty minutes, it should be Torres, not Inzaghi.

Of course, the Torres from Liverpool, not the Atlético Madrid or the "can't score in an open goal" version.

There would undoubtedly be subtle differences, but the overall style and characteristics should be similar. So if he had to emulate someone, it should be peak Torres, not Kaka himself.

The advantage for a reborn person was having a wealth of homework to copy from, and it was purely coincidental that he kept copying Torres...

Who could blame him for being so good?

What were Liverpool Torres's traits? Quite tall but not excessively so, lean but not too thin, explosive power, a good nose for goal, quick acceleration, excellent shooting technique... Wasn't this the current Kaka?

And what was Torres's playing style? Definitely not living on the offside line.

Leonardo didn't immediately notice Kaka's change. After receiving the ball, he wanted to play a lobbed pass into the box. With Kaka's displayed awareness and speed, there was at least a 20-30% chance of turning such a pass into an assist.

But before the ball was even played, Kaka had already backtracked a few steps, calling for the ball.

He had originally been parallel with the defenders but now positioned himself in front of them.

Although puzzled, Leonardo immediately passed the ball to him.

Kaka used his back to pin the defender, not controlling the ball but knocking it behind him. Simultaneously, he spun around from the other side, rounding the defender behind him.

This was a backheeled nutmeg, but not as flashy as the one from the Ice Prince, emphasizing speed and suddenness instead.

The breakthrough proved successful, cleanly beating the defender. And since Kaka had entered the box, the defender couldn't risk making a challenge, only hoping his teammate could intervene.

Unfortunately, his teammate also failed to halt Kaka's progress.

Without any feints, Kaka rapidly dragged the ball to change direction, using his explosive leg power to burst past the last defender.

After carrying the ball forward two steps, he shot.

The football flew straight into the corner, missing the crossbar and posts. The goalkeeper was helpless against this fast, angled, mid-range curler, only watching the ball hit the net.

2-1.

Not just the spectators, even Kaka was stunned by his own work.

This was the correct way to utilize the cheat code.

Baptista sprinted from the back at full speed, shouting the Brazilian version of "holy shit" repeatedly, launching himself at Kaka.

Kaka quickly caught him and then disdainfully shoved him away.

With the score still in deficit and every second crucial for Kaka, he didn't waste time celebrating unnecessarily.

The match soon resumed.

Adriano seemed to have been scolded by Zagallo on the sidelines, no longer acting petulant but obediently playing the team game, though without much effect.

Instead, the outnumbered São Paulo played vibrantly.

After Belletti intercepted again, they launched another counterattack.

Wide progression, cutback cross – a simple yet effective routine.

Kaka leapt high, powerfully heading the ball.

He made contact, but it was too central, flying straight into the goalkeeper's arms.

Zagallo, who had remained seated during São Paulo's scoring, could no longer stay put and had to walk to the sidelines for in-game instructions.

The goalkeeper wanted to restart quickly, but Zagallo was gesturing and shouting at him from the touchline.

The veteran coach repeatedly made downward motions with his hands, clearly signaling them not to rush but to settle down first.

This scene made Alvarez mutter, "Indeed, the old ginger is still spicy."

Flamengo didn't follow São Paulo's tempo, playing steadily, but their attack lacked potency.

With home fans cheering them on and buoyed by Kaka's successive goals, São Paulo was at their most spirited.

In the dying moments of the first half, São Paulo earned another opportunity from the wide areas.

This time, Kaka and Leonardo were supporting cast, creating for their teammates. The wide forward Aluka completed a long-range effort, which was blocked by a defender. Leonardo was then fouled after receiving the ball, earning São Paulo a free-kick.

Kaka stood over the dead ball, and amidst contrasting fan prayers, he struck a rather ordinary inswinging delivery.

The ball spun and dipped but lacked pace, and its trajectory was clear, allowing the goalkeeper to punch it away.

But Flamengo's relief lasted only half a minute.

Their clearance was intercepted by Baptista in the middle third, who instantly played a long ball towards Leonardo.

Without controlling it, Leonardo deftly flicked the airborne ball into Flamengo's box with his right foot.

Kaka emerged from the defensive line, delicately scooping the ball into the net with his instep while airborne.

An elegant finish.

"Kaka! GOAL! This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful goals in the history of the Brazilian Cup! Baptista's long ball from the back, Leonardo's unexpected flick, and Kaka rises to volley it home with exquisite technique – an elegant assassin turning the act of scoring into an art form."

"Another goal from Kaka! He has completed a hat-trick in just one half! Alvarez has unlocked Kaka's striker mode, but he probably didn't expect to unleash such a monster! Beating the offside trap, curling it past the keeper, and now this poached volley – Kaka has breached Flamengo's goal in different ways three times! São Paulo are still a man down, but the pressure is now on Flamengo."

After his hat-trick, an excited Kaka slid on his knees towards the corner flag, executing a perfect two-bar knee slide celebration.

(End of chapter)