Yasui Makoto's words left everyone astonished. Chunqiu Fen, who had only just learned of those veterans' illustrious records, showed it most clearly, her little mouth forming a perfect O.
Anmokume's eyes widened slightly too, and her mouth fell open unconsciously. She looked as though the lineup she was about to face had stunned her.
After her initial surprise, Alice Speed frowned slightly and folded her arms, her tone tinged with disbelief:
"It's just an exhibition event, but they're all showing up at once? This lineup... isn't it a little over the top?"
Hokubu Genkoma also came around from her initial shock and nodded repeatedly in agreement, concern filling her crimson eyes:
"With a lineup like this... won't it put too much pressure on Anmokume? And... won't it be too demanding and exhausting for the other runners too?"
Yasui Makoto quickly calmed down after his surprise. He shook his head slightly and analyzed the situation rationally:
"I don't think... it's that excessive.
"After all, this is an exhibition race. It's more about putting on a show and interacting with the audience. Compared with the intensity of a purely competitive race, entertainment value and public interest are probably what the organizers and the veterans care about most.
"So having the legendary runners once known as the 'Three Greats of Their Generation' gather to compete on the same track would undoubtedly create the greatest impact and draw the most attention."
After explaining, he shifted the conversation and acknowledged Alice Speed and the others' concerns:
"Of course, you're right too. With the legendary abilities and presence on the track of Oguri Cap and the others, even if they haven't competed officially in years, just lining up at the same starting line would bring a great deal of psychological pressure and competitive intensity."
Hokubu Genkoma