Chapter 239: Ubers vs. FC-Barcha (1)
"The next match is… Snuffy's Ubers versus Lavinho's FC-Barcha?"
When the break ended, Hiori was the first to tap open the screen in the lounge. After seeing the players entering, his eyebrow lifted slightly. "If we follow the usual rules, Ubers will probably strategically give up this match too."
"Hmm… that's true. Lavinho's team has two national-level players joining them, so in terms of overall strength, they're clearly a first-tier team. Snuffy may barely have three Eleven Heroes around the three-billion mark as a baseline, but the rest of their roster is way too weak. Many of them joined for free just for the guaranteed playtime and exposure. Overall strength is definitely lacking."
Hearing Hiori's analysis, Ness also nodded.
"Besides, Italy's Ubers have always relied on tactics and structure, turning their team into a single cohesive unit. Snuffy then plays the role of a free player, switching responsibilities at will to patch up whatever the team lacks.
But this match was added at the last minute. Ubers didn't have time to build chemistry. Against Lavinho and the two national-level players' raw individual ability, I doubt they can win."
"So, if we analyze it rationally, Snuffy should give up this match."
The two midfielders took turns dissecting the situation, and their logical breakdown made the others—who lacked their eye for detail—nod repeatedly.
But Shinichi gave a different conclusion.
"Snuffy will not give up."
"Huh?"
"Not only will Snuffy refuse to give up—Kaiser, who was recruited by Snuffy and received the highest offer of the second phase of the New Hero League, will also do everything he can to prove himself.
They will not casually throw this match. And the one who wins, in the end—will definitely be Italy's Ubers."
The match hadn't even started, yet Shinichi spoke with absolute certainty. Hiori and Ness looked at each other, wanting to refute him, but kept silent. Even if they felt Shinichi's emotionally-driven prediction was unreliable, the authority he had built through his long streak of victories made them choose to trust him.
In the end, everything depends on what happens on the field.
And at this moment—the whistle blew.
Lavinho's team had kickoff, and the instant the whistle sounded, he exploded forward, sprinting like a launched arrow. Leonardo, who was in the same league as him, revealed astonishing chemistry—despite Lavinho suddenly performing a fake run that shook off Kaiser, Leonardo still delivered the ball to his feet with unnatural precision.
"Hah—beautiful, kid. Just how deeply have you studied me? No wonder last time playing against you felt so damn frustrating!"
Lavinho sneered as he received the ball.
But the moment he touched it, a shadow suddenly slid in from his blind spot.
Lavinho's pupils shrank—he immediately altered his motion, trying to withdraw force from his trap, but the ball still rolled along its original path long enough for the shadow's foot to graze it and knock it loose.
Thankfully, Lavinho reacted quickly. Twisting his body to block the figure behind him, he switched feet and juggled the ball mid-air like kicking a shuttlecock. Only then did he have time to look at the sneaky opponent.
"Such a shame—if your reaction were a bit slower, I would've poked the ball right to my teammate's feet."
Snuffy shook his head regretfully. Lavinho's touch and reflexes were simply too good—he had withdrawn force mid-motion, ruining Snuffy's trap interception.
"Snuffy? Didn't expect you of all people to pull tricks like this."
Lavinho glared, annoyed—just a little more and he would've embarrassed himself. Snuffy pretended not to see it and smiled like always.
"That doesn't matter. Isn't your goal to take down Noa and become number one in the world? This is the perfect chance. Why not just drop into the losers' bracket and beat him there? Why put so much effort into this sudden extra match?"
"You think I'm stupid? Isn't it cooler to win all the way through and beat him in the finals?"
Lavinho did not fall for the bait.
But the next moment—he felt the ball lighten under his foot.
Snuffy collapsed downward as if all his bones vanished, then snapped forward like lightning, kicking the ball out from under Lavinho. Behind him, Kaiser received the ball cleanly and burst toward the goal.
"Snuffy, you bastard—!" Lavinho shouted, heart jolting. But instead of chasing Kaiser, he turned to look at Snuffy, who had fallen during the steal.
In Lavinho's eyes—two blazing flames were burning.
"Sorry, Lavinho…" Snuffy whispered.
"But I absolutely must win this match."
...
"Snuffy is in FLOW already?! At the start of the match?!"
The lounge erupted instantly.
No matter how the match ends, one thing is already confirmed—Shinichi was right: Snuffy is not giving up.
"An early failed attack is bad news for FC-Barcha."
Seeing Kaiser's counterattack get stopped by Dada Silva's fast retreat, Hiori finally exhaled.
"With Snuffy and Lorenzo, Ubers' defense won't collapse easily. If they score first, Snuffy will take control of the entire match."
"Exactly—and don't underestimate those low-valuation players. Maybe they lack attacking talent, but because they rarely get the ball, they start by mastering defense to survive. That's the ladder most youth players climb.
So Ubers' defensive line may be even sturdier than we expect."
"Now it all depends on whether this Ubers attack can score."
Hiori's analysis overlapped almost perfectly with the broadcast commentator, making the viewers focus intensely on Snuffy—the one now controlling the ball.
"It's coming!"
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