[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foresight":3,"chapter-foresight-foresight-chapter-40":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},1847438,2452,"Chapter 40 40: New Blood, Old Shadows","foresight-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>July 14, 2012.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few weeks have passed since the official start of Arsenal's pre-season training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, familiar faces were missing, and new ones had taken their place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Van Persie ultimately chose Manchester United, chasing his Champions League dream with Sir Alex Ferguson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite previous claims that he would never give his services to a Premier League club, RVP's move to a rival club left many supporters bitter and disillusioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two captains gone in succession—the atmosphere around the club felt increasingly uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vermaelen was appointed the new captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just four years, Arsenal had gone through three captains. It was a tough blow to the club's stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some media outlets even joked that Arsenal was cursed—every time someone wore the captain's armband, it marked the beginning of their departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The joke was beginning to stick..\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Vieira, this strange cycle had haunted every Arsenal captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None had truly embodied the word loyalty; not a single one had retired with the club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Thierry Henry had left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Henry eventually returned, it was only temporarily—Wenger had arranged for his farewell to come at the end of the season rather than in March.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like that, all the legendary Gunners of the Invincible Era were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the second generation after that was also quietly phasing out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new era was dawning at Arsenal—the third generation of Gunners was ready to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the medical examination room, Kai sat bare-chested, his physique as solid as a sculpture, his defined muscles on full display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've really been working on your body this past year,\" said Gary with a nod. \"Your fitness is at monster-level now—one of the best in the squad and dare I say, the league.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to three months ago, Kai's physique had changed; his muscles were more compact, far more explosive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had shed the bulk and now radiated a powerful, athletic aura. Watching him move, even colleagues looked visibly impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai rolled his shoulders and slipped on his training top, smiling. \"I haven't exactly been slacking off this year. Mr. Pat is a Drill Sergeant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary grinned. He had seen Kai every month during his checkups with Pat Rice and had watched his transformation firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew how much effort had gone into sculpting this version of Kai—it wasn't something an average player could sustain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary lightly tapped Kai's shoulder with a fist. \"Let's have a big season.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai flashed a confident grin. \"Watch me tear it up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary couldn't help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kai left the room, Chamberlain approached with a long face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My fitness test didn't pass,\" he grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai gave him a teasing look. \"That's what you get for training without a clue. You're a forward—why the hell are you bulking up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chamberlain crossed his arms in protest. \"If I don't bulk up, how am I supposed to hold off midfielders and defenders like you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then don't go head-to-head,\" Kai said casually. \"Avoid me. I never told you to take me on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chamberlain's eyes widened in indignation. \" Oi. Avoid you? I try to! But you keep intercepting the ball! I used to rely on technique. And guess what, mate? Either I eat grass or get the ball stolen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai chuckled and waved him off. \"Go talk to Pat. He'll tell you what to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He won't even look at me!\" Chamberlain groaned. \"Told me to follow a diet plan by Old Man Tony.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai nearly choked with laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Drop the pounds first,\" Kai said. \"Then go back to Pat and Tony. They'll help you out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I'm not even on the squad list for the warm-up matches!\" Chamberlain looked like he might cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai patted his shoulder sympathetically. \"Just lose the weight. You'll get your shot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arsenal's pre-season warm-up was about to begin. This time, Kai would be joining the team for the tour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three matches lined up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>July 20: New York Red Bulls vs. Arsenal\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>July 29: Arsenal vs. Benfica\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>August 3: Arsenal vs. Monaco\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first match, an exhibition in the U.S., was more for show than competition. The rest would be held locally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, exhibition matches favored star power—big names meant big money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suárez, Walcott, Arshavin, and Arteta all played full 90-minute matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Kai was in the squad, he didn't get any minutes in that opening match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since these exhibition games were tied to ticket revenue, Wenger chose to showcase familiar faces. More star appearances meant better returns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite now having the backing of a wealthier owner, Arsenal still managed their finances cautiously after years of struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Wenger didn't plan to keep Kai on the sidelines for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already preparing to make Kai a regular starter by the second half of the season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that required actual match time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second warm-up match against Benfica, Kai was in the starting eleven and played the full 90 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paired well with Arteta, forming a solid midfield partnership. One focused on attack, the other on defense. Together, they anchored the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai finished with 5 interceptions, 3 tackles, and 2 key passes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a defensive wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Benfica's star forward, Cardozo, had a frustrating night. He was having flashbacks to the duels they had previously had when Kai was in Liga Portugal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai had been shadowing him all match. He barely got a touch on the ball, and when he did, Kai either stole it outright or intercepted it before it reached him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a rough game for Cardozo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Arsenal side, the newly signed Suárez and Santi Cazorla linked up impressively, producing a goal and an assist between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cazorla's arrival had come as a bit of a surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger had placed high hopes on Wilshere this season, but the Prince of Arsenal had suffered a relapse late last season—and was now facing another full season on the sidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger was visibly losing patience with Wilshere's fragile fitness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, with Arteta and Santi working the attack, and Kai holding down the defense, Arsenal edged out Benfica 2–0.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai was genuinely excited about these two new teammates. Wanting to build rapport, he tried to interact more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third game against Ligue 2 side, AS Monaco, Cazorla got a little flashy, trying out a step-over in the final third—but overdid it and lost possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monaco launched a quick counterattack with a long ball over the top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Germain sprinted to receive it, but as he approached the drop zone, he realized someone was already there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Valere Germain braced himself and shoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai, barely looking, shifted his stance and nudged his hips back—Germain shifted off balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai brought the ball down calmly and passed it cleanly to Arteta.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Germain stood there, hands on hips, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd tried everything to move the Arsenal midfielder—not a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, with smooth anticipation and constant scanning, Kai was already locking down the midfield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Cazorla played a clever low pass, curling around the defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suárez read it perfectly, timed his run, and slotted it home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two matches, two goals—Suárez was thrilled. His fears about adapting to Arsenal were fading fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai clapped from afar. It was a textbook Arsenal goal—fluid, crisp, and perfectly timed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And honestly? He was enjoying every bit of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone envies what they lack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger was also applauding from the sidelines, clearly satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Pat Rice. \"How do the shooting stats look?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pat flipped through his notes. \"We had 9 shots, 6 on target, 1 goal. Monaco had 3 shots, 1 on target, no goals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, \"Most of their attacks were broken up in midfield. Eventually, they gave up and tried long balls.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pat grinned. \"They're scared of our midfield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wenger chuckled. \"And Kai's numbers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Four interceptions, one tackle, seven disrupted plays in midfield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pat nodded thoughtfully. \"He really is our defensive anchor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND SOME STONES.\u003C\u002Fp>",1324,"2026-06-09T07:00:21.211Z",1,"novelbin.me","9882eaaa219d2d5ff3c64ae3969f5edfab0442aa01e9b54bdde518afeda70cdd","foresight-chapter-41","foresight-chapter-39",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fforesight-cover.jpg"]