Since the beginning of the training session, Kelvin had been observing every movement Oliveira made. The newcomer barely spoke, but his game reading was absurd. He didn't need to shout, gesture, or impose himself. He just appeared in the right place at the right time. In the first fifteen minutes, he hadn't lost a single duel.

On a play down the left side, Kazana exchanged passes with Felipe and accelerated. He got the ball back, cut inside, and tried to find Ian inside the box. It was a good ball, but Oliveira showed up once again. With a single touch, he intercepted the pass and calmly started the counterattack.

"You're not much of a talker, huh?", said Kelvin, running alongside him as they returned to defense.

"In the game, we use our legs more than our mouths", Oliveira replied, without even turning his face.

Kelvin chuckled softly.

"But you know what you're doing, don't you?"

"I just study them"

Kelvin paused. It was the second time Oliveira had said something like that. Positioning. Understanding the opponent. He wasn't just a strong center-back — he was extremely smart.

In the next play, Rafael switched their positions. Now, Oliveira was the one starting the play from the back. The opposing team pressed high, but the boy remained calm. With a quick dribble past the striker, he created space and delivered a precise, low pass between the lines.

Dante received it in midfield and turned quickly to Kelvin.

"Damn... this kid plays easy", Dante commented, running alongside Kelvin to return the ball.

The match went on. Kelvin slowly started to understand Oliveira's thinking. It wasn't just about running or dribbling. You had to read the game too.

Further ahead, in another move, Kazana left the box to pull the marking. Felipe cut inside and tried to feed Ian, who received with space. He cut to his right foot, but hesitated — Oliveira was already there, offering a passing option while also watching the coverage.

Ian played a through ball to Kazana, who was making the run. The number 9 shot across goal and scored.

Rafael blew the whistle.

"Nice! Great build-up!"

Oliveira simply adjusted his socks, like it was just another ordinary play. Kelvin came up to him on the way back.

"You let that one slide...", he said, panting

"Yes. I'll fix that"

Kelvin raised an eyebrow.

"You're a walking robot, man"

"My job as a defender, Kelvin, is to let no one through, and the best way to do that is by studying them. Understanding every move. Calling me a robot is a compliment. Thanks"

Kelvin didn't respond, but a small smile crept onto his face. That duo, although unlikely, had the potential to be highly instinctive, even if their roles were completely different.

And Rafael, on the other side of the field, just watched silently, a faint smile hidden under his serious expression. He had already noticed: Kelvin and Oliveira were opposites that complemented each other. Each would take care of their side of the game. Oliveira, the defense. Kelvin, the attack.

Rafael let the scrimmage go on for a few more minutes, until he noticed the pace was dropping. The players were exhausted — except for Kelvin. The heat was starting to intensify, and the focus wasn't the same anymore. It was the right moment.

He blew the whistle three times, firmly.

"That's it, guys! Time to stretch!", he shouted with a clear and commanding voice.

Some sighed in relief. Others, like Kelvin and Felipe, still seemed ready for more. Kazana was breathing heavily, his face dripping with sweat, but his eyes were still locked on Oliveira, who was already walking calmly to the sideline, as if the training hadn't taken anything out of him.

As everyone gathered in the center, Rafael watched silently for a moment, then stepped forward to speak.

"Today's training was excellent. The level is rising, and I see it in the smallest details. The movements are more coordinated, the passes quicker, and you're starting to think the game together. That's what we want to see."

Rafael looked directly at Oliveira, who didn't react, just stood still, staring at the ground while tying his shoelaces.

"There are new faces here, but some already understand what it means to wear this shirt. Oliveira, your positioning was impeccable. But what impressed me most wasn't that — it was your composure under pressure. You calm the game down when things heat up. Keep it up."

Some players nodded quietly, even the most playful ones turned serious for a moment.

Then Rafael turned to Kelvin.

"Kelvin, today you were smart. You stayed calm, knew when to observe. It's not always about solving everything alone. Sometimes, it's about understanding when watching is more valuable than acting. I liked what I saw."

Kelvin lowered his head respectfully, breathing deeply.

"Now", Rafael continued. "the Regionals are coming. That means every training session matters. Every movement, every play, every mistake... it'll all be remembered when the ball starts rolling. So keep your head straight and your focus high. I expect you at the next training. Don't miss it."

He took two steps back and wrapped up:

"You can stretch now. Then, you're free to go."

The players started sitting on the grass. Ian, as usual, was chatting with everyone, trying to joke around despite being tired. Kazana muttered about wanting more training time. Dante looked thoughtful. And Felipe was already lying on the grass, staring at the sky, breathing like he had just run a marathon.

Kelvin approached Oliveira, who was doing short, focused stretches, eyes fixed on the horizon.

"Hey… thanks for the training", said Kelvin.

"I didn't do anything special. Just did my job", Oliveira replied simply.

Kelvin crossed his arms, still sweating.

"Do you always play like this?"

"My duty is to defend at all costs. So yes"

"Even after training, you don't smile", said Kelvin with a half-smile.

"Of course. Football isn't just a hobby for me, Kelvin. It's a way of life. My life revolves around it — and it's not even because I'm Brazilian that I say that"

Kelvin nodded slowly. And in that moment, he realized Oliveira wasn't just another reinforcement. He was a pillar. The rare kind of player — quiet, cold, and calculated — but with a presence that shaped the environment. And with him on the team, Sanu wasn't just a promising squad anymore. They were a real threat.

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