How much impact can two months of training have on a player?
Honestly? Not much.
But what if it's multiplied by three?
Half a year of focused training can have a noticeable effect.
Now, add the talent of a "Peerless Genius"?
It might directly surpass what many ordinary players achieve in over ten years.
Looking at his attribute table, Kai knew his own growth better than anyone else:
Attacking runs: 1.62
Possession: 1.63
Dribbling: 1.56
Shots: 1.51
Long pass: 2.54
Short pass: 6.70
Defensive runs: 1.56
Speed: 1.55
Explosiveness: 1.55
Foot strength: 1.51
Stamina: 1.47
Right foot proficiency: 1.70
An increase of seventeen total attribute points—comparable to a full season's growth for many players.
The improvement in right-foot proficiency was a qualitative leap.
And Kai's training was highly focused. He emphasized passing, not long balls, but precise short passes.
A short pass rating of 70? Already exceptional for a youth player.
From this, it was clear how Kai saw himself:
He could operate as a midfield tool man, orchestrating short passes, but when an opportunity opened up, he could also deliver a perfect final pass in the attacking third.
With the special effect of "Panther Hunting," Kai leaned toward controlling the midfield and linking up with the frontcourt.
Even without participating in matches, Kai earned modest system rewards for each game. After nine matches, including previous accumulation, he finally collected twenty blue fragments.
"Ding! You consumed 20 blue fragments and obtained the blue-level skill: Ferocious Tackle."
Ferocious Tackle: Increases tackle success rate, reduces injury risk during tackles, and has a chance to directly regain possession.
Wakaka!
Kai was thrilled.
What a powerful skill!
Blue skills were really considerate.
Although not huge, this one had three critical functions:
Enhanced tackling
Protection for the tackler
Chance to regain the ball
Each was exactly what Kai needed.
To others, a simple regain of possession was just possession. But to Kai? It could immediately be converted into a scoring chance.
The efficiency gap was enormous.
A coach aware of this could build tactics around Kai to dominate the frontcourt.
"Send him back! Let him go to U14—he's only harming our kids!"
Outside the Alcochet training ground, parents waved banners and shouted curses.
And they had reasons.
The team's record was poor, their children were the immediate victims, and opportunities to play in European competitions were rare.
They hoped their kids could shine quickly—one goal, one chance.
But instead? Labeled "worthless."
Could these kids secure future contracts at 16? Competing offers from other teams? Impossible!
Inside the office, Maxa looked grim.
Not because of the angry parents outside, but because he'd received a scathing email from senior management.
The U15 youth team's poor performance had drawn severe criticism, and the youth training director, Triguera, had his salary docked.
The email made it clear: lose the next game, and Maxa could pack up immediately.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Come in."
"Coach, I want to play football," Kai said bluntly, getting straight to the point.
Maxa's expression darkened further.
He couldn't even protect himself—yet this short kid dared to demand playing time?
"I have a way to help the team beat the next opponent!" Kai continued, leaving no room for refusal. "Next round is Qatar Sports."
"Andoua, the player you fired, has become a key part of their squad. That's also what many parents criticize you for."
"If we just win, their criticism may remain unless Andoua underperforms, proving your original decision right."
"I've watched all of Andoua's games during this period. I understand his habits perfectly. I can definitely limit his impact."
Maxa was unmoved.
Kai understood clearly: Maxa had studied the issue too and could assign midfielders to contain Andoua, but this was only basic coverage.
Kai had other plans.
"I can also fully activate Ronaldo," Kai said. "One superstar's influence outweighs a hundred ordinary players."
"If you train a Golden Boot-level Chris, why not unleash him over ten average players like Andoua?"
"I know Ronaldo's movements, and he understands my passing perfectly."
"You've seen my short passing in training. Let me play, and I'll show everyone the superb forward you've developed."
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the next Quaresma, and you, Coach, are the next Triguera!"
Maxa finally couldn't hide his excitement.
"I knew you wouldn't let me down. Your passing reminds me of Figo! The most talented midfielder in Sporting Lisbon's history deserves to show the results of your special training. You're in the next game!"
Kai left, satisfied.
Through Triguera, Kai could have asked for a playing spot, but Maxa was his direct coach. Frequent intervention would undermine Maxa's authority—no one likes that.
Kai understood: his strength had to speak for itself.
As expected, the news of Kai's playing time spread quickly.
The displaced midfielder's parents were furious, but Maxa could do nothing.
Punish anyone? On what grounds?
He was a youth coach about to be fired; who cared?
Rebellion was everywhere.
It only strengthened Maxa's determination to let Kai lead.
He summoned all players before the match:
"In this game, Kai is the core of the midfield. Follow his instructions above all else. Protect his back at all costs. I will evaluate everyone's performance—remember, I can replace you at any moment. My successor will consider these evaluations seriously."
"In the frontcourt, monitor Kai's play, especially Chris. You two understand each other well."
Ronaldo nodded knowingly.
Kai added: "Thank you, Coach Marquesa, for your trust. I will lead the team to victory for the glory of Sporting Lisbon and our bright future. Come on, Lisbon!"
"Come on, Lisbon!" Ronaldo shouted.
Kai looked at his teammates: "Come on, Lisbon!"
The teammates, seeing the energy, had no choice but to echo: "Come on, Lisbon!"
Just from shouting, Kai had already gained recognition as a leader.
On the field, a fierce battle began, old rivalries and new grudges slowly unfolding.
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