Michael Sterling stood on the touchline. His coat was soaked through. His shoes were ruined. But he did not care.
He was watching Kenji Sato.
The Japanese Engine was running back to his position after clearing the ball off the line. Kenji was covered in so much mud that you could not see the number on his back. He looked like a statue made of clay.
"He is not human," Arthur Milton whispered, shaking his head. "He ran the length of the pitch in ten seconds. In the mud."
"He runs on honor," Michael said. "And carbohydrates."
MINUTE 55
The game was gridlocked. 0 to 0.
Barnsley tried to pass. Kai Sora received the ball. He tried to turn, but his boots stuck in the mud.
"This grass is glue!" Kai complained, shielding the ball from two Forest players. "Boss! Can we play on the road? The road is cleaner!"
"Just pass it Kai!" Michael yelled.
Kai flicked a pass to Isaiah King.
Isaiah tried to run. But the Forest left-back, a giant named Toffolo, simply barged him over.
