Naruto TCG: How to Build a Taijutsu Deck

In the Naruto world there are many different types of "Jutsu" that are used by various ninjas. There is Genjutsu, and art of trickery, Ninjutsu, an average and balanced fighting style and Taijutsu, a powerful beat down force. Taijutsu is a series of moves and techniques that revolve around physical strength and in the Naruto card game it is exemplified even more.

Taijutsu decks are very powerful, and if used correctly can cause major damage and devastation. They focus on their jutsus and ninjas to pull of a win, and can blitz an opponent with ease. The following is a good solid build for a Taijutsu deck.

Turn 0 The beginning of the end

3 copies of Hanabi Hyuga (Daughter of the main Branch)
2 copies of Konohamaru (Hokaga's grandson)
1 copy of Hinata Hyuga (Gental Heart)
1 copy of Rock Lee (Serious Injuries)

Hanabi will allow you to play any Hyuga clan member one turn early, this means Hizashi and Hiashi will come out in the early game, scaring your opponent as well as helping you a lot. Konohamaru will also reduce the time it takes to get other Jonin level ninja into play, and Hinata will offer some decent healing potential. Rock Lee will give you minor draw power, but his later forms have growth, so this combination works very well.

Turn 1 The power starts

2 copies of Sasuke Uchiha (Reason for Late Arrival)
2 copies of Hinata (My Nindo)
2 copies of Rock Lee (Releasing the Gates)
1 copy of Sasuke Uchiha (Flowering Ability)

All the above ninja have the Taijutsu combat attribute, so they can use any card with such a requirement. Sasuke has growth, which is always good, and so does Hinata. The great thing about Sasuke though is his attack is a 4 on turn 1 making him extremely powerful. Rock Lee also has the growth ability, and his power is crazy, allowing you to gain an extra attack for each charka you have, although the downside is you have to discard Lee. Sasuke Flowering Ability has the unique effect of being able to copy any attribute in play, like the Byakugan!?

Turn 2 Enter the Neji

3 copies of Neji Hyuga (Attack on Chakra Points)
1 copies of Gamma Toad

Gamma Toad is just a good support ninja, giving 2 support even if he is injured, plus he regenerates into the deck once discarded. Neji is a really good attacker with 3 power, and his effect is your opponent's head ninja cannot use any jutsu cards. This is an annoying effect for your foe, because often times they will forget about this, giving you a major advantage. No Sharigan Eye for your opponent! Neji also has the growth ability, and Byakugan, plus even if he becomes injured he still attack for 3.

Turn 3 The filler

2 copies of Ebisu

Ebisu is a good well rounded ninja with 4 attack and 2 support. He is versatile and therefore can be used as a good filler card.

Turn 4 Hizashi is in that house!

2 copies of Hizashi Hyuga
1 copy of Kurenai Yuhi

Hizashi is of course a Hyuga, so he has the Byakugan ability, and 5 attack. He is one of the most powerful turn 4 ninja in the game, right up there with Zabuza and Kakashi. Also Hizashi has a great effect, allowing you to discard him from play in order to prevent an opponent from winning any rewards during that turn. Kurenai is just an amazing supporter giving 3 support in healthy and/or injured status.

Turn 5 The Clan is complete

1 copy of Hiashi Hyuga
1 copy of Might Guy

He has the best attack and support of any other Hyuga, and of course everything that comes along with the clan. His effect is not good at all but you have to sacrifice abilities in this deck for power. Might Guy is a great attacker, and has the ability to give 4 support to any Genin ninja with the Taijutsu combat attribute. This means almost all your ninja will be backed up with this powerful ally. Might Guy also doubles as a great attack with 6 power!

Your Jutsus are where the main power behind your ninja, and with a Taijutsu deck that's all your jutsus are, raw power!

3 copies of Leaf Hurricane
3 copies of Leaf Whirlwind
3 copies of Gentle Fist
3 copies of Kunai
2 copies of Byakugan
1 copy of Food Pills

Leaf Hurricane adds +3 power to any character with the Taijutsu ability, and only cost 1 making this a deadly card early on and can win decisive victories in the late game. Leaf Whirlwind adds +3 support for 1 cost, and Gentle Fist adds +2 power or support to any of the Hyuga family, plus has the bonus of hand destruction. Kunai and food pills add +2 power and support to anyone, allowing Kurenai and Ebisu to take part in the action as well.

Missions are not so key in this deck, and that's why they are absent from this version of the build. However some good missions include

One Morning
The Hyuga Lineage
Caged Bird
Pass Permit
Reason for Their Highest Renown

One Morning is great draw power, and Hyuga Lineage will search for your Byakugan and Gentle Fists. Caged Bird will stop your opponent's ninja from coming out to fight, and Pass Permit will allow you to battle unchallenged. The Reson for their Highest Renown is a good card, but basically can only be used on Hiashi effectively.

The Taijutsu deck is really mean, and with the newest set of Revenge and Rebirth the Hyugas received a few new tricks with their ninja, and power in the form of Sasuke! I would not be surprised to see this deck arch type showing up in the top 8 places in regional events around the country.