Standard Budget Deck: Nubatama (Kujikiricongo)

Discard No Jutsu!! 

Nubatama has always been a fun clan for me to brew, even since the original series. Controlling cards in the opponent's hand was something I never really tried in card games prior to Vanguard, and when V-BT03 came around I was looking forward to seeing how Bushi would adapt the clan for Standard. 

I was initially confused when the VR was revealed to be Magatsu Storm, alongside the rest of his ride chain. However, and more importantly, Shura Stealth Dragons returned to Standard alongside the mainline Magatsu set. Let's talk about them for today.

Let's return to the 
situation... at hand

Kujikiricongo gives us a chance to play the clan with its first playstyle: discarding and locking down your opponent's hand through card effects, making it more difficult to guard. While not the premiere card of Nubas in its set, Kujikiricongo and his specialized support in the form of Kabukicongo and Dreadmaster works well enough to make for a decent budget deck.

While the VRs are still good and fairly budget as well, it is possible to play this deck without them, although it might be lacking some of the punch that the VRs would provide. If put together right, Kujikiri is able to stand up on its own as a main ride, able to perform its main power plays consistently, taking a couple wins here and there.

                                                                       Grade 0

Due to the current nature of standard there isn't anything special to talk about in regards to the Grade 0 lineup. While Hagakure is an interesting card, there isn't anything in this build that can hit much value off of him. 

Trigger-wise, draws provide the deck some lacking draw power, while crits provide that extra push for damage that is also lacking. It's a matter of personal preference and testing, in the end, though I've personally settled on an even 6-6 split.

As always, if you can afford Draw Sentinels, go for Mijingakure to free up Grade 1 space.

                                                                       Grade 1

You think you're safe?

Since we're focusing on Kujikiricongo, Dreadmaster is obviously a staple 4-of. His cycling effect helps to get rid of less useful cards, digging for more desired cards, and his bounce-discard ability is incredibly efficient. In fact, the discard will happen regardless of whether a rearguard is bounced or not (Honestly it's a shame that Tamahagane couldn't do this too. Why did you hold out Bushi?!). 

For other options, Sakurafubuki provides additional dig while refunding counterblasts, and Fuuki can serve as a beater. I'd also recommend trying Aogita, Kurogiri, Tataribue, and Tsumujibashou once V-BT07 comes around. Other cards I haven't mentioned may serve more niche purposes, but feel free to try them out or comment about them if you wish.

Grade 2

While Kabukicongo was made for Kujikiricongo, I'd only recommend him at 3 or less. His skill is much too costly to use repeatedly throughout the game, and there are other cards that contest the slots that are live earlier on, more cost efficient, and much more flexible. 

One such example is Magatsu Gale, who remains as a staple in the deck, being one of the deck's few plus ones. His second ability is quite solid as well, allowing you to reuse or protect your other rearguards, as well as giving you another soul to use. 

Tamahagane is a decent pick, being a "retire" as well as a solid beater. Tsunamasa gives you some much needed soul, acting as another smaller beatstick that can potentially protect itself. Bigger beaters to consider are Chigasumi and Dan Breach. 

Some future considerations from V-BT07 include Zangetsu, Akurao, and Jaenjin. Zangetsu in particular gives the deck an additional G2 ride target and provides some insane early game alongside Sakurafubuki.                                                                     

 Grade 3

As for secondary rides, Jamyocongo functions well, limiting the opponent's handsize until you ride into Kujikiri, or even being a finisher option against decks that boast large hand sizes. Although he is a VR, Nubatama's cards generally tend to be cheaper than most, and he's definitely worth consideration.

Voidmaster locks down intercepts, while also allowing you to reuse your own rears. Kokushigarasu and Mizukaze are solid, powerful finisher choices. If you're willing to wait until V-BT07, Gamigyobu, Fuzencongo and Tagamaru are all worth consideration.

                                                                                                                       

Decklist:

NOTE: This is only an example decklist and should be used as a base. I recommend that you create your own decklist through your own testing. I found this decklist to fit me, but it is up to you to find a decklist that fits you. 

Grade 0:

1x Stealth Dragon, Magatsu Gale

4x Stealth Beast, Tobihiko (Critical)
2x Stealth Dragon, Kurogane (Critical)
4x Stealth Beast, Mijingakure (Draw/Sentinel)
2x Stealth Fiend, Ohtsuzura (Draw)
4x Stealth Fiend, Zashikihime (Heal)

Grade 1:

4x Stealth Dragon, Dreadmaster

4x Stealth Rogue of the Night, Sakurafubuki

3x Tempest Stealth Rogue, Fuuki

2x Stealth Fiend, Oboro Cart

Grade 2:

4x Stealth Dragon, Magatsu Gale

3x Stealth Beast, Tamahagane

2x Momentary Stealth Rogue, Tsunamasa

2x Shura Stealth Dragon, Kabukicongo

Grade 3:

4x Shura Stealth Dragon, Kujikiricongo
3x Stealth Dragon, Voidmaster
3x Stealth Rogue of Prescription, Mizukaze

                                                                                                                   

Effectiveness: 5/10

Cost: $30-80

Competitive?: No

Final Words: Overall it's a fun deck with plenty of options, though it is a little underpowered. and isn't always going to be able to get stronger with every set. Try it if you like to play around with the opponents hand, or want to try out decoy tokens without having to spend money on a newly released Hanzo.