General description:
Ah, Sakura. She has taken many forms so far in this game, from a crappy vanilla 0/1 that is worthless for anything but Mental Power to the useful and versatile Kunoichi Pride that allows you to accelerate your card drawing capabilities. This card is somewhere between the two in terms of quality, but probably edges out Pride (and definitely Love Conquers Ninjutsu) in terms of value because of its rarity (an uncommon compared to a rare).
Uses:
This card has a pretty straightforward effect; you injure it to give her a "Kunai" effect. As a 0/1 with Entrance Cost 1, this card does not start off pretty if you compare it to similar turn 1 cards: Shikamaru (Smarty Pants), Temari (Wind Charmer), etc. beat her at the pure stats game until she hurts herself (what a masochist!). Lucky thing is, even after she is injured she remains a 0/1, as opposed to the others who are both 0/0s.
Strategies and game play:
This card is good for backing up teams that are strong but not as strong as an opponent's team. One support on turn 1 is not bad, but three is amazing. This card is not all sunshine and roses, however, as the effect can be negated via Escape Jutsu (however out of favor this card may have fallen within the tourney environment, I have no idea).
Combos with other cards:
An easy card to match this with is Third Hokage (Village Governor). With that you essentially have a "credit card" (buy now, pay later) Kunai effect each turn. Also effective is Sakura's Decision. Although this card takes the effect off, the card's stats are the same when injured, so you aren't really losing anything and you're drawing 3 cards.
Ways to counteract it:
The obvious cards are Escape Jutsu and Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu. These cards either negate her effect or negate her effect's relevant impact on the game. A well-timed Smoke Pellet can ruin her effect as well.
Strengths/Pros:
-Mental Power 3
-Three support on turn 1
-Jutsuless increase
-Does not lose power when injured
Weaknesses/Cons:
-0/1 on turn 1 is not very strong
-Can be Escaped
-Overshadowed by Temari (Violent Temper)
Artwork and aesthetics:
The artwork to this card is good, but a little lacking. It shows her with her back almost to the viewer, which is never good, but indicative of her drive in the scene this card shows as she prepares to face off against the Sound Genin alone to protect her teammates from the assassins. Determination indeed.
Overall rating:
8/10. A solid card.
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