Dude! You're all over the place.

Kai stopped caring. Not in terms of the score, he simply stopped caring about the tactics.

Why? Why must he comply with this physical abuse for the entire match? If something wasn't working, why stubbornly persist with the same actions?

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

There was one thing he forgot. He wasn't a strong passer. He would "take the ball, pass the ball", but there's one thing he forgot. He didn't remember to move.

Kai needed to use his movements to shake off his opponent, creating that little space and time for him to control the ball before passing. What was his strength? Causing doubt and confusion in defensive structures. It was as if Kai became static during this match, being an immovable midfielder that just expected passes to come his way.

He was being read. He was seen through too easily.

Damn it, Boubakary. I will prove you wrong!

It was a goal kick from the blue team. The keeper frustratingly cleared the ball long, he didn't trust his defenders to play out from the back. It was an aerial battle between Edouard and the red team centre-backs. The target forward braced his body as he leapt high in the air to receive the ball. He didn't dare spin around, he didn't have the pace to run past defenders with ease.

Controlling it with his chest, Edouard played a sideways pass to Nkunku on the left wing.

The speedy forward lightly controlled the ball as he dribbled against the backline. The score was 0–0, but at this rate, they might lose because of the constant pressure they were under. Nkunku wanted to make something happen.

He eyed the right defender, observing his stance as he deliberated whether to cut inside or run along the byline. However, he suddenly realized a diagonal run from his teammate.

Kai?

The Asian youth was playing extraordinarily high, he was dashing with all his might to support the attack. Nkunku noticed one thing about his friend though, he was positioned right between the defenders. If that's the case...

The red team's right defender was in two minds as he eyed Kai and Nkunku. There was an overload on the wing and he was tied in his spot. Suddenly, Nkunku cut inside the pitch as he intended to get a shot on goal!

The right-back wished to stop it, but Kai was one step ahead. When Nkunku cut inside, he found a space to operate in. He made a lethal movement.

Kai ran out wide, essentially swapping positions with the left winger. He placed himself in the space that was opened up after the right defender chased after Nkunku.

Boubakary was hesitant to follow Kai. He didn't want to be dragged out of position. What was Kai doing anyway? Playing as a winger?

Nkunku smiled as he back-heeled the ball to Kai. For the first time, Kai felt relieved as he could control the ball without the disturbance of any tackles. Boubakary was rooted in the midfield and was hesitant in following Kai. He didn't want to be dragged out of position.

This was the space Kai needed. Bodies flooded into the box. Should he cross?

No, Kai knew his limitations.

Kai advanced towards the goal line. He looked up and saw Edouard in the centre, waiting for the cross. But Kai had other plans. Anyone at his location would have placed a cross, it was the most obvious choice for anyone. Not for Kai, he couldn't place an accurate cross.

He feinted to cross the ball, causing the defender to lunge towards him. With lightning-quick reflexes, Kai cut the ball back with his right foot and left the defender behind. He took a couple of quick steps before spotting a run from outside the box.

Kai didn't shoot, instead, he played the ball outside of the box to none other than Yacine.

The deep run from the midfielder caught the keeper off guard. Yacine had a surprised look on his face. Seeing he was just outside the box, Yacine eyed the post and he mustered all his strength. He released a devastating long shot.

The keeper was a moment too slow. There were bodies in the way and he couldn't clearly see the ball. The shot curled as it crashed against the back of the net.

Goal!

Nkunku howled as he witnessed the ball bounce into the net. Yacine raised one finger into the air, declaring he was the one that scored. Edouard had a halfhearted expression, he expected a cross. Zagadou had a smile plastered on his face. 'That's the Kai I know.' He told himself.

~~~

Kai released the shackles placed upon him. He simply floated to where he was required. He drifted out wide when he spotted an opportunity, swapping positions with Nkunku to bully the red team's right defender. It was a chemistry that was developed in such a short period.

Nkunku drifted inside with the ball, and Kai would overlap on the wing. Edouard also caught on to this development. 'It's getting interesting.' The striker told himself

Kai may have initially struggled, but he found a way to contribute to the game by using his strengths and movements to create space for his teammates. By doing so, he was able to assist in scoring a brilliant goal. It just goes to show that sometimes, it's not just about individual skills, but how you work together as a team to achieve a common goal.

The game continued. The red team was astonished as they found themselves 1–0 behind. They were even more aggressive than before, playing with even more vigour and ferocity as they can not accept losing.

The backline was constantly under pressure. Zagadou was hanging in there on the backline, but he was repeatedly tested by the red team's striker. They were constantly under pressure. Kai drifted further and further up the pitch. He wanted to make use of his bond with Nkunku, this unique understanding they have for one another was the only spark in their offence.

The left wing was the only bright area in their team. It was their only channel of attack.

The red team, having conceded a goal, started to apply pressure on Kai's team. They were quick to attack, looking for an equalizer. However, Kai's team was equally quick to defend, closing down spaces and intercepting passes. Kai himself was a different player now. He was confident and determined, making runs, passing ... awkwardly, and intercepting passes. He was like a new player, transformed by his earlier success.

The red team was getting more and more frustrated. Their passes were getting sloppy and their shots were off-target. Kai's team took advantage of this and started to counter-attacks with precision. They were like a well-oiled machine, each player playing their part to perfection.

Saloman, playing as the defensive midfielder on the blue team, had to really work for the match. With Kai getting so offensive, Saloman had to run his heart out to prevent the midfield from being exploited.

Gacha had already realised this specimen was evolving, it was as if he was learning on the fly. The player was evolving right before his eyes, right during this match. It was an eye-opener, to see a such potent inherent understanding of movement and spatial awareness. Not to mention the chemistry he developed with Nkunku.

It wasn't long before they got another chance. A long ball from the back found its way to Edouard. The Target Forward controlled it perfectly and turned to face the goal. The defenders tried to outmuscle him on the ball, but facing the physically imposing Edouard, it was nothing more than useless.

Edouard looked up as he spotted Kai making a run on the left wing. 'Do your magic.' he whispered.

The target forward sent a perfect cross to Kai, who was waiting just outside the box. Nkunku already dragged the defender out of position. Kai leapt up, his eyes fixed on the ball. His touch was awkward as the ball bounced off his foot a few meters away.

No matter. He had the space and freedom to use his strength to the fullest.

Kai dashed towards the goal in a straight line. He ran in large strides as he limited his touches on the ball. His dribbling had a different technique. This was all done to downplay his weakness. He had to mitigate his issue.

He eyed the keeper. Shoot?

Impossible. He didn't have the ability.

His mind went into overdrive as his eagle vision scanned the pitch. Constantly analysing and discovering the best-attacking chances that were created by his disorderly movement. Spotting his target, he passed the ball behind the backline.

A rapid Nkunku dashed to the back of the field as he chased after the ball. The red team Right Defender had nothing but tears at this rate. Wasn't this akin to bullying?

Nkunku had a newfound joy and freedom on the wing. The pass was sloppy as he had to make many adjustments to settle the ball. But it was undeniable, Kai was making everything tick, he was dictating their entire attack.

Nkunku was one-on-one against the keeper. The angle was tight as he entered the penalty box. His instincts screaming to shoot, but his rationality told him otherwise. He was a skilful player, but even the best players know their limitations and know when to admit defeat.

Nkunku raised the leg as he smashed the ball... NO! He did a cut-back as he passed the ball right outside the box. The target forward was lurking there. Edouard waited this for moment for so long, his sneaky unmarked run left him undetected until it was late... far too late.

The defenders were shocked. The goalkeeper was shocked. Kai only grinned as he witnessed the monstrous strength that was stuck onto the ball.

The keeper dived to his left, but the shot was too fast and too sudden. Edouard didn't have the best technique, but the strength he delivered to the shot was devastating. It was a bullet, a missile, a nuke! It hit the back of the net with a resounding thud.

Goal!