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. 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. Certain ANBU wear black cowls over their standard uniforms, and squad leaders may wear white cowls.

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.

ANBU is an organization that serves under the direct command of their Kage. Kakashi Hatake was a former captain and Itachi Uchiha became an ANBU captain at age 13. Ibiki Morino, the proctor of the first Chunin exam, is the head of the. Zabuza Momochi and Raiga Kurosuki were once part of Kirigakure's ANBU.

Known ANBU members

 * Hatake Kakashi (former ANBU captain)
 * Momochi Zabuza (formerly)
 * Uchiha Itachi (former ANBU captain)
 * Morino Ibiki (head of the ANBU Torture and Interrogation Squad)
 * Yamato (undercover as a Jonin)