[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-114":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","FORESIGHT",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1847712,2452,"Chapter 114 114: Season Opener, This Is Our Arsenal!","foresight-chapter-114",114,"\u003Cp>August 17th, 2013 — the Premier League was back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new season. A new beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With fresh transfers completed and squads reinforced, the top-flight clubs of English football were once again ready to battle for glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manchester United, still basking in last season's title triumph, now faced the dawn of a post-Ferguson era. David Moyes had taken the reins, tasked with leading the Red Devils through uncertain waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>José Mourinho, The Special One, had returned to Chelsea, instantly shifting the spotlight to Stamford Bridge. Expectations soared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liverpool had added depth to their ranks and looked set to be a serious contender this time around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tottenham, having parted ways with Gareth Bale, was reeling from the loss of its talisman. The question loomed: could they still compete at the highest level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manchester City, as ever, flexed its financial muscle, bringing in more firepower in pursuit of another title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Arsenal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their injury woes finally behind them and a talented core intact, the Gunners approached the season with renewed hunger after narrowly missing out on silverware last time around. This year, they were back—with something to prove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai, Suarez, Cazorla, Walcott, Arteta, and others were all ready and waiting in the wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even teams like Everton, dubbed civilian in comparison to the giants, had geared up for a fierce campaign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in the Premier League, the competition was fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emirates Stadium, North London\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A furnace of noise and colour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun blazed over North London, and the Emirates was already buzzing. Fans packed the stands, expectant and energetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the ongoing high ticket prices—still needed to offset the cost of the stadium's construction—supporters filled every seat. The passion hadn't wavered. Not one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, the optimism had returned in full force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the flags waving in the breeze to the chants echoing through the steel rafters, it was clear: the new season had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Arsenal dressing room, Arsène Wenger gathered his squad for one last word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, gentlemen. First game of the season—let's start strong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the team began to file out, Wenger gently caught Kai by the arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something wrong, Professor?\" Kai asked, raising a brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger smiled, pulling something from his coat pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a practiced motion, he fastened the captain's armband around Kai's left arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You almost walked out without this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai glanced down, the red and white band tight around his bicep. He inhaled slowly and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're winning this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger patted him on the shoulder, a quiet pride in his eyes. \"Then go lead them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai turned and headed for the tunnel, the last one out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the tunnel...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Players lined up on either side. Arsenal to the right. Aston Villa to the left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kai emerged, his teammates noticed the armband and gave him a respectful nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Vermaelen still out injured, the responsibility fell to Kai, Arsenal's vice-captain—and unofficial heartbeat of the team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made his way down the line, offering a firm high-five or a nod to each teammate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is it, guys. You can feel the fans, yeah? They've been waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Age didn't matter. His leadership had long surpassed the number on his birth certificate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They remembered his bloodied jersey against United. The way he carried the midfield when it all fell apart. The times he stood tall, when no one else did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's a captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Wilshere, standing nearby, watched him with a complicated look. In two seasons, everything had changed. Wilshere still wore the number 10, but it was Kai's number 4 that echoed louder now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wilshere had always dreamed of being the future of Arsenal. But the future had arrived—and it wasn't him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai took his place in front of Szczęsny, the team poised and ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Referee Anthony Taylor gave a glance at the time, then a nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then gave a nod to both captains and ushered the teams out of the tunnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First half: Emirates Stadium. Sky Sports commentary box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin Taylor: \"We're approaching the end of the first 45 minutes, and still no goals. Aston Villa holding firm at the back—Arsenal struggling to carve open clear chances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan Smith: \"You know, Martin, I wouldn't say Villa's defence has been extraordinary. It's more that Arsenal haven't clicked into that attacking rhythm we saw last season. They're a little... off-tempo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin: \"It's a good point. The sharpness just isn't there yet. Some promising movement, but the edge—the urgency—it's missing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan: \"Yeah, they've had too long of a break. Mentally, they're not fully back in the trenches of the EPL yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back on the pitch, Kai shifted near the halfway line, eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze locked onto Christian Benteke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strong. Decent footwork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai clocked his pattern—receive, lay it off, wait for support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Benteke raised his hand for the ball, unaware he was being watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Westwood spotted him and sent it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as the ball approached, Wilshere surged in, bodying up against Benteke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Benteke tried to shield it, but Wilshere stuck tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of nowhere, a foot poked the ball through Benteke's legs. Kai swept it up and didn't miss a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brilliant defensive reading! Kai and Wilshere combine to dispossess Benteke—Arsenal break!\" Martin Taylor called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai looked up. Villa were caught in transition, their midfield exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clipped a sharp pass to Walcott on the wing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walcott didn't hesitate—one touch, and a slick layoff to Cazorla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back it went—one-two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walcott broke into the box, sold the defender a dummy, and squared it to Suarez.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez drifted wide, shifted right, and let fly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shot came like thunder—clean, powerful, and without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez's strike rocketed past the outstretched hand of Guzan, brushing the underside of the crossbar before nestling into the top of the net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that, the Emirates erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the breakthrough Arsenal had been pushing for all half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1–0 to the Gunners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, the referee brought the first half to a close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The teams returned to the pitch with fresh legs and sharpened focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only six minutes in, Arsenal earned a corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Santi Cazorla jogged over to the corner flag, gently placing the ball down. He took a glance up, scanning the penalty box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Movement. Arms raised. Jostling for space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he saw it—a red jersey charging toward the near post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cazorla's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he struck the ball—a low, driven delivery, whipping with pace toward the near side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai was already in motion, sprinting at full tilt. As he reached the edge of the six-yard box, he launched himself into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body stretched out horizontally, fully airborne—shoulders squared, eyes never leaving the flight of the ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With pinpoint control, he met it cleanly with his forehead—just a gentle touch, almost like a brushstroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball glanced off his head and curved sharply, nestling into the inside of the near post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brad Guzan didn't stand a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goal. Arsenal 2, Aston Villa 0.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin Taylor:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's absolutely stunning! Kai with a diving header—textbook movement, deadly finish! Arsenal double their lead, and it's their captain leading the charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan Smith:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The way he attacked that corner... the timing, the positioning—it was perfect. You wouldn't believe he had any injury worries in pre-season. That's a leader's goal if I've ever seen one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's set the tone not just in midfield today, but now he's added a goal to his name in the opener. You couldn't ask for more from your captain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emirates Stadium exploded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waves of red and white surged through the stands. The noise was deafening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fans jumped to their feet, arms raised in unison, scarves swinging through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the East Stand, for a brief moment, a hush fell after the eruption. Dozens of regulars stood frozen—not in silence, but in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every eye locked on Kai, who had already turned and was sprinting straight toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reached the touchline, he raised his arm like a spinning rotor and threw three sharp punches into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire East Stand echoed his celebration in perfect rhythm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"ARSENAL!! — ARSENAL!! — ARSENAL!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The concrete beneath them trembled as the crowd stomped and screamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flags waved like wildfire in the wind. Faces flushed red with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just a goal—it was a message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai was here, and this was his team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the commentary box—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin Taylor:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, if there were still any doubters left... Kai has silenced them all. That's his signature celebratory move—and it's lit up the Emirates once again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan Smith:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They used to call this place the library, Martin—but those days are long gone. Since Kai broke into this team, the noise levels have gone through the roof.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's the kind of connection you dream of—young, fearless, leading from the front. He's not just wearing the armband; he's carrying the club crest with pride.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the fans? They know it. Arsenal are lucky. They've found a proper Gunner in Kai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You look around and see what he's done to this team... and this stadium. There's something special about watching a lad rise like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scoreboard read 2–0, but the emotional score was much higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai jogged back to the center circle, still catching his breath, eyes calm and laser-focused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't need to say anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fans had already said it for him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ohhhhhh Kai, Kai, he's our pride!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born to fight in red and white!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pass or strike, he makes 'em cry,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal's star—our boy Kai!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our boy Kai!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(clap-clap, clap-clap-clap)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our boy Kai!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chant echoed louder than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>",1612,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.491Z",1,"novelbin.me","e1ed46fa701c80e4cbc52cba69908ca9c65900d0deed17604183e508d80a00d6","foresight-chapter-115","foresight-chapter-113",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]