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N-1139 Hiruko [Warrior of the Red Guard]
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Today's card is another Puppet "Warrior" ninja and the second Hiruko released. Interestingly, this version of Hiruko does not have "Name: Sasori" like the set 18 Sasori, so you can now have both out on the field. This is likely due to the new Sasori & Hiruko squad. The first thing that comes to mind about this card is that its effect is great when used with Baki's, however, Baki is banned, so Hiruko loses some of its effectiveness. It is still a great card, however, as it can ruin your opponent's teams and allow you to attack their village without having to face-off against their strong teams. It's very balanced and good card. It will probably see moderate play in Wind Decks to get out Sasori/Hiruko, however, the set 18 Hiruko tends to be a better choice for squading since you only need to sacrifice only that Hiruko since it meets the requirement of "Hiruko" and Sasori" (think of it as squading over a platoon with the same name).

Limited: 2/5 Not many Manipulation ninjas here
Constructed: 3/5
Block: 3/5

Today's card is a Hiruko that doesn't count as sasori!
 
Hiruko is a turn 4 5/3 1/2 puppet with weapon. When he's put into play if you have any manipulator you can de-team 2 ninjas.
 
Wind-Puppet decks have gotten renewed intrest with these last few sets, t4 has no other puppet option, but chiyo is on that turn, so if anything its a 1 of. de-teaming may read nice, but it leads to 1 turn of chump blocking. but if all you need is 1 turn hiruko is your guy.
 
Hiruko is a fairly underwhelming ninja card to be blunt. his stats are average, effect a one-time chump maker, and not a lot of upside as the most played sasori can self fetch the only squad he makes. not a great card but one that might make a few off-the-wall decks.
 
limited: 2/5
Block:
Wind: 2/5 (below average)
art: 3/5 (granny chiyyyyoo!
 
I'm DIMHWT, and this was the naruto COTD