[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-289":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},1847787,2452,"Chapter 289 289: The Dark-skinned Assassin","foresight-chapter-289",289,"\u003Cp>Since Di Maria and the others had only just arrived at the training ground, they were put through what the coaches called a \"simple\" warm-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end of it, all three were soaked in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their faces looked grim. This didn't feel like a warm-up at all—it felt like the opening phase of a high-intensity session.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, the Arsenal players wore expressions that suggested quiet amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were already used to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, when they had first gone through the same routine, they had worn the same tortured expressions. Watching the newcomers relive that experience now gave them a faint, guilty sense of satisfaction. It was the finest schadenfreude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after the warm-up, Arsène Wenger and the coaching staff arrived and immediately called for an internal training match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Di Maria and the others hadn't even had time to sit down or take a proper drink before being waved onto the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, they began to truly understand what Arsenal's training culture was like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Di Maria and the other two were placed on the substitute side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main team, meanwhile, also featured two new faces: goalkeeper Navas and midfielder N'Golo Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté partnering Kai in midfield was a special decision personally approved by Wenger. A few players had their reservations, but no one dared voice them openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since joining Arsenal, Kanté had worked hard, but he hadn't really been given the chance to show what he could do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This match, then, was as much a test for him as it was for the newcomers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be nervous,\" Kai said, walking over and giving Kanté a light pat on the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté nodded quickly. \"I… I watch you. I cover. You go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai paused for a second, then smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were anyone else, Kai might have hesitated. But with Kanté, there was a natural sense of trust due to knowing his exploits in his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Kai knew this match would tell him a lot about what kind of partner Kanté could really be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both teams took their positions, and with Pat Rice's whistle, the training match began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Straight from kick-off, Suarez played the ball to Cazorla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cazorla returned it to Kai, who immediately switched play across to Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté brought the ball under control and played a simple pass back to Koscielny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai dropped deeper to receive again, then returned the ball to Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, Di Maria had already surged forward to press.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté looked momentarily rushed, but he steadied himself and slipped the ball back to Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai gave a small nod and one-touched it to Cazorla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kai advanced, Kanté subtly shifted inward, adjusting his position toward the center to balance the midfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sideline, Wenger watched the two closely, his gaze thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the real test for Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since joining Arsenal, Kai had usually held a deeper role. But today, his positioning was clearly higher—sometimes even level with Cazorla.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It eased the pressure on Cazorla and added another layer to Arsenal's attacking play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, it also meant Kai would face more pressure from the defence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn't mind that at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one enjoys being reactive forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the past three seasons, squad limitations had forced Kai into a more defensive role. Now, he finally had the chance to push forward and dictate play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Kai and Cazorla controlling the midfield, the main team gradually took command of the match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The substitute side, by contrast, looked disjointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lack of cohesion—combined with Sanchez and Di Maria, two players who hadn't yet adapted to the system—left Wilshere visibly frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One kept charging forward relentlessly. The other kept dropping deep to demand the ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no rhythm, no clean passing sequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, the oldest man on the pitch, Rio Ferdinand, looked the most reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He played calmly, didn't try to stand out, and brought a steady presence to the back line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the sidelines, the coaches took note.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rio Ferdinand's doing better than I expected,\" said First Team coach Neil Banfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger nodded. \"Very steady. Very professional.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the staff continued gathering data on the new signings, and so far, Rio Ferdinand stood out the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the back, he organized the defense with composure, choosing his moments to step up or drop off, making it difficult even for Walcott and Rosicky to find space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to him, Di Maria and Sanchez looked like they were playing on instinct alone—constantly pushing forward without structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rio noticed it, but he didn't interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a new team, there were only two ways to prove yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First: integrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second: dominate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his age, Rio knew he wasn't going to dominate games anymore. So he chose the safer path—fit in, be reliable, make fewer mistakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The returns might be modest, but the risks were minimal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanchez and Di Maria, fueled by youth and confidence, chose the second path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, though, Rio's approach was clearly paying off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was always the chance that Sanchez or Di Maria might suddenly produce something special.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with Di Maria under Kai's watch, and Sanchez shadowed closely by Kanté…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That possibility looked increasingly slim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanchez was visibly frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time he tried to break through, Kanté seemed to appear out of nowhere—slipping into his blind side and poking the ball away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes it wasn't even a tackle. Just a perfectly timed interception that left Sanchez feeling completely unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it had been Kai, he could have accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai's reputation spoke for itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this guy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who are you supposed to be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanchez suddenly felt his balance go. The sensation was painfully familiar—he had felt it several times already in this match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If nothing unexpected happened, the ball would be gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sure enough, the very next second, N'Golo Kanté cleanly stole it from his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sanchez turned to chase, anger flashing across his face, but Kanté had already released the ball, playing it straight into Kai's path in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation. No attempt to take credit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one touch, and the tempo was set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai received the ball and lifted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walcott read it instantly and burst forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the outside of his foot, Kai bent a pass into space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walcott beat the full-back for pace, leapt, brought the ball down in stride, and cut inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Suarez was already charging into the penalty area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walcott curled another ball across the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It floated over the center-back, and Suarez arrived on cue, tapping it into the net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean. Direct. Ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From interception to goal, it took less than seven seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main team had scored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suarez celebrated with a wide grin, and Kai and the others exchanged satisfied looks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goal wasn't just about the finish—it confirmed that their rhythm and sharpness were still there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more than anything, it highlighted Kanté.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai turned and looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté's tackling and anticipation were outstanding. He covered space effortlessly, filling the gap left when Kai pushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Kanté kept playing like this, Kai could advance without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for opponents, defending against that midfield would be nothing short of miserable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is that good?\" someone on the coaching staff asked quietly, eyes fixed on the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the difference in build and skin tone, they might have thought they were watching another version of Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't a literal comparison—but defensively, Kanté was eye-catching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai and Kanté defended in very different ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kai was a charging bulldozer, smashing straight through you, then Kanté was an assassin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silent. Precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You relax for half a second, and he strikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time you realize what happened, the ball is already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the touchline, Arsène Wenger smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was clearly pleased—not just with Kanté's performance, but with his attitude. His focus. His seriousness in training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kanté developed properly, Arsenal would have two defensive pillars in midfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two iron barriers that shut the door completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was still a gap between Kanté and Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté, for now, was purely defensive, while Kai was evolving into a complete, all-around core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger had brought Kanté in for a clear reason—to secure the space behind Kai when he moved forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Arsenal's engine had felt restricted last season, then everything Wenger was doing now was about removing those limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the center of it all was Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by fully unlocking Kai's attacking potential could Arsenal take another real step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And encouragingly, the signs were already there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>. . .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please do leave a review and powerstones, which helps with the book's exposure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feel like joining a Patreon for free and subscribing to advanced chapters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Visit the link:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002FGRANDMAESTA_30\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Change @ to a\u003C\u002Fp>",1476,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.885Z",1,"novelbin.me","5771b25c4b1c8d4e7e92e0add27d91f745f7aae1f007a873673a4effa5334fe3","foresight-chapter-290","foresight-chapter-288",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]