charging ahead of others
魁 centers on being at the forefront: charging ahead of others, leading, or being the first and most prominent.
魁 combines 鬼 (demon, ogre) with 斗 (measuring ladle). The historical origin is uncertain, but it may relate to a leader or chief, possibly from the idea of a prominent figure or a ladle-wielding demon.
A demon (鬼) holding a measuring ladle (斗) charges ahead of the others, leading the pack.
For カイ, picture a kite (カイト) charging ahead of the others in the sky, leading the flock.