Anbu

The is actually short for. The name is a form of contraction, similar to English acronyms like SWAT, where the two kanji used to abbreviate the group's full name constitute an actual word on their own.

Uniform
The ANBU wear porcelain animal masks in order to distinguish themselves from normal shinobi and to conceal their identities. They also have standard uniforms consisting of black and gray armor, arm guards, and a signature spiral tattoo on their left shoulder (Female ANBU members have the tattoo located on their right shoulder to determine gender between the ANBU members). Certain ANBU wear black cloaks over their standard uniforms, and squad leaders may wear white cloaks.

Purpose
ANBU protect the village from exceptional threats, conduct high-risk missions into enemy countries, and deal with extremely strong ninja. They are also responsible for carrying out assassinations and missions requiring specially trained ninja. Unique for most characters in Naruto, all ANBU carry Ninjaken, which are usually strapped to their backs, and they all know the layout of the human body in detail. By using Temporary Paralysis Technique, ANBU members can paralyze an opponent, leaving them open for attack. With Time Reversal Technique, an ANBU can put someone in a state of reverse hypnosis, allowing them to remember details that they otherwise would not. They serve under the direct command of their Kage. ANBU are also sworn to leave nothing behind of their bodies if they die on a mission, as shown on episode 90 of shippuuden.

The specialized ANBU branch, Foundation or "Root" works under Danzo and includes Sai. They wear different colored capes from standard ANBU and are trained to lose all emotion. They are also not allowed to question Danzo's authority. In the Pain invasion arc they are stopped by Danzo from helping the villagers of Konoha.

Known ANBU members

 * Danzo (leader of Konoha's ANBU "Foundation")
 * Ibiki Morino (head of the Konoha's ANBU Torture and Interrogation Squad)
 * Itachi Uchiha (former Konoha ANBU captain at the age of 13)
 * Kakashi Hatake (former Konoha ANBU captain)
 * Raiga Kurosuki (formerly ANBU member for Kirigakure)
 * Sai (member of Konoha's ANBU "Root")
 * Yamato (undercover as a Jonin)
 * Yugao Uzuki (girlfriend of Hayate Gekko)
 * Zabuza Momochi (formerly assassination expert for Kirigakure)
 * Towa (Clash of Ninja Revolution 2)
 * Komachi (Clash of Ninja Revolution 2)
 * ANBU Captain (Member of Konoha's ANBU under the codename Raido. Witnessed the battle between Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the 3rd Hokage, during the Invasion of Konoha. In the filler, he and his team interrogated Naruto about Genno.)

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