Although this lineup still looked star-studded, it clearly leaned more toward mobility and outside shooting than the ace lineup featuring Chi Tong, Sendoh, Mu Shenyi, Akagi, and Kaede Rukawa.
Meanwhile, Chi Tong, Sendoh, Mu Shenyi, Akagi, Liu Chuanfeng, Mitsui Hisashi, and Xiangtian Yanyi stood ready on the bench, prepared for anything unexpected.
As for renowned players such as Mitsui Hisashi, Gao Shayi, and Matō Kenji, they had not made the twelve-man roster this time. It was not a question of ability, but a strategic adjustment by the coaching staff to test the chemistry of different player combinations.
None of Kanagawa's players objected to the coach's arrangements. After all, this was only their first group-stage game, against the relatively weaker Toughsteel team. Who would reveal their strongest lineup right from the start?
"Kanagawa isn't even using its strongest lineup!"
"Idiot!"
"Of course not. Kanagawa is the strongest team this year. Any player they send out is an ace."
"What a shame. I wanted to watch Chi Tong play. Looks like that won't happen now!"
The spectators buzzed with discussion.
For the members of Toughsteel County's team, however, it was an entirely different story.
As they looked at Kanagawa's starting lineup, there was not the slightest relief on their faces. Instead, their expressions grew even grimmer.
"They aren't even using their strongest lineup?"
Tamakoshiba muttered to himself, resentment welling up inside him.
What did that mean?
It meant that, in Kanagawa's eyes, they could win without even using their strongest lineup.
Being underestimated like this felt even worse than facing that strongest lineup head-on.
Bashen and Yagami Hema gritted their teeth. "Damn it!"
"Even if this isn't their strongest lineup, we'll show them we can win!"
Shizuoka Prefecture had fielded its strongest lineup without holding anything back. Facing a formidable test like