On this night, the entire city of London was shrouded in the keywords Arsenal and Number 4. Even Suarez, who scored two goals, had to share some of the shine with him.
Why were Arsenal fans so excited?
The reason was simple—they had caught a glimpse of something they hadn't seen in years.
A commanding midfield presence.
Grit and steel.
A quiet confidence that said: I'm here to stay.
That night, Kai didn't score. He didn't assist. Yet, four steals, four interceptions, five clearances, and one key pass were enough to ignite the Arsenal faithful.
The buzz had been brewing since last season and the preseason. But Kai's official arrival had coincided with Henry's emotional return—and nobody could compete with a legend.
But this time, in the first round of the new season, he was the one who stabilized the defensive end and shifted the tide with a single pass.
Even the league's official ratings acknowledged it—Kai was on the pitch for less than a half, and still scored an 8.2.
Only Suarez (8.7) and Cazorla (8.5) were rated higher.
That's when the storm started.
...
The next morning, Kai woke to the hum of his iPhone buzzing nonstop.
He blinked at the screen—notifications stacked higher than he'd ever seen. Messages from friends back in Northeastern China, and dozens of mentions on social media.
His name was trending in both England and China.
He swiped open one of the headlines.
<
Another popped up.
<
Even Chinese outlets had picked it up.
<
Arsenal fans flooded the official website, hungry for more.
The comments on social media from the fans were what interested him.
@Gooner Forever:
The Arsenal page needs an update. The information on Kai is just the bare bones.
#KaiTheGreatWall#ArsenalWin#COYG
@Tony_Malik19989:
His tackling is amazing. Always times the ball perfectly.
#COYG
@Arsenal_16UCLsLoading:
I'm starting to like him. Hope he can play the next game.
Reply-@NorthLondon'sPride
Starter! Straight starter. He's much better than Diaby.
@Liverbird:
Arsenal fans and their delusions. One good game against Sunderland, LOL, and he is Pirlo.
Reply-@Carnage:
F**k off. Win a Premier League trophy, then start talking.
Reply-@Liverbird:
Still 0 UCLs lol. Cry harder.
Reply-OC:
Try going Invincible.
Kai took a deep breath and got ready for training. He was going to take a game at a time and prove his value.
...
Dozens of fans stormed the training base.
Kai was nearly swarmed but was able to evade. He met the captain on his way to the locker room.
Vermaelen chuckled. "You should buy a car."
Kai jokingly groaned. "I'm jumping the wall from now on."
[Locker Room, Arsenal Training Center]
Arteta whistled. "Let's see who this is? Oh~~ Arsenal's No. 4, Arsenal's talented midfielder."
Kai rolled his eyes. "Media nonsense."
Arteta laughed. "London papers are full of you. You were great yesterday."
"Yeah, and if I mess up, they'll tear me apart. Media's like that."
"Doesn't it get to you?" Arteta asked.
Kai shrugged. "They call me a genius now. But at Arsenal? Geniuses die every year. That label means nothing."
He closed his locker shut.
"Where are you going?" Arteta called.
"Warm-up."
"Training hasn't started yet!"
"Mine has."
His voice faded out of the open door.
Arteta smiled and turned to Vermaelen. "We can rest easy."
"I was never worried," Vermaelen said, glancing at Chamberlain.
The young winger was gripping a newspaper, eyes eagerly scanning for information.
"That's what an 18-year-old should look like."
...
Kai jogged onto the training ground, thinking back on his debut.
He'd made a few mistakes. Loose touches. Slight delays. But overall? A solid game.
The team needed this. After Van Persie's departure, morale had been low. Kai's emergence gave fans—and the squad—a reason to hope.
"Hey! Man! Yesterday's pass, chef's kiss."
Cazorla jogged up with a grin.
Kai chuckled. "And your pass was butter."
"Hey! Not bad, huh?" Cazorla beamed.
Kai nodded. The Spanish midfielder hadn't peaked yet, but his flair was already evident. In time, he'd evolve into a maestro.
They chatted as they jogged.
Suarez arrived late, spotted the pair, and frowned.
He jogged straight over. "Kai. Great performance yesterday."
Kai bumped shoulders with him. "Back at you. Two goals? A rating of 8.7? Can't ask for more."
Suarez grinned. "Hell yeah."
Cazorla raised a brow at Suarez's eagerness.
"French tonight?" Cazorla offered.
"Or come to mine," Suarez said. "I'll make authentic Uruguayan Asado."
Kai hesitated. "Next time. I'm sticking to the nutrition plan."
Suarez sighed. "Alright."
Training was intense. Kai's interceptions annoyed Suarez. He broke up Cazorla's dribbles.
The competitiveness was off the charts.
Cazorla and Suarez challenged him to a one-on-one at any opportune time to sharpen their skills.
Internally, competition was healthy. On the pitch, they were winning.
....
Wenger had to come out himself to send the fans home.
Then, he summoned Kai.
"Shoot a video," he said. "Tell them about yourself."
And Kai, exasperated but grinning, finally agreed.
Not the next Vieira or Pirlo.
Just Kai.
...
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