*( Clinical Transition Chapter)*
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**Lille OSC Medical Center – 7:00 AM Sharp**
The white-walled examination room smelled of antiseptic and ambition. Three doctors in lab coats circled Ibukun like predators, their instruments flashing under fluorescent lights.
**Test 1: Biomechanical Scan**
The MRI whirred as cross-sections of his musculature appeared onscreen—every fiber optimized like a Formula 1 engine.
*"Incroyable,"* muttered the head physician. *"His ACL has the tensile strength of Kevlar."*
**Test 2: Cognitive Response**
Blinking lights assessed reaction time. Ibukun's results: 0.08 seconds (Elite average: 0.12).
**Test 3: The Reveal**
Moreau leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. *"Will his heart survive Ligue 1?"*
The cardiogram spat out its verdict—a resting pulse of 42 BPM with the rhythm of a metronome.
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**The Final Negotiation**
Moreau's office overlooked Lille's training grounds. She slid two envelopes across the glass desk.
1. **Official Contract**
- €18k/week
- €50k performance bonuses
2. **Black Envelope**
Contained a single keycard and address: *"16 Rue du Ballon. Midnight."*
Ibukun pocketed both without expression.
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**Seraing Farewell – Last Training Session**
The Belgian rain fell in sheets as Ibukun completed his final drills. Teammates lingered awkwardly—some envious, others relieved.
Coach Lebrun approached, clutching a battered notebook. *"Your match logs. Every improvement."* His voice cracked. *"You never thanked me once."*
Ibukun took the book. Nodded once. Turned away.
His locker was already empty except for:
- One Nigerian flag patch
- Loïc's titanium screw
- A single SP booster vial (Unused)
The ultras' chants echoed through the tunnel (*"Soldat de Pluie! Soldat de Pluie!"*), but Ibukun didn't look back.
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**The Safe House**
16 Rue du Ballon was a minimalist loft overlooking the city. The keycard revealed:
1. **A Tactical Dossier**
- Lille's manager's preferred formations
- Dressing room hierarchy
- Which cafeteria staff could be bribed for intel
2. **Moreau's Personal Addendum**
A handwritten note:
*"Score against PSG and this becomes yours. -C"*
Attached: Deed to a Dakar beachfront villa.
Ibukun burned the note in the stainless steel sink.
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**Chapter 13 Closing**
At dawn, Ibukun stood at Lille's training complex gates. His new teammates arrived in Ferraris and tailored suits. They froze at the sight of him—already drenched in sweat from a 10km pre-dawn run.
Jay-Jay's hologram appeared one last time in Seraing colors.
*"No tears? Not even for me?"*
Ibukun adjusted his new training bib and walked inside.
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