Anbu

Biodata

Background / History

During the Forest of Death phase of the Chunin Exams, masked Anbu respond after Anko identifies Orochimaru’s presence and orders that the Hokage be notified. Orochimaru overwhelms the responding squad, leaving one operative down and exposing another’s identity when her mask is removed. 9 12 13

The squad’s encounter becomes complicated when Neji takes Uzuki Yugao’s dropped mask and later an Anbu uniform to conceal his identity. He fights Orochimaru, assists endangered examinees, and gives the impression that Konoha has an exceptionally young Anbu operative—despite not being a member of the organization. 12 13 15 17 21 24

After Orochimaru retreats, Anko and two Anbu witness Neji’s lightning-infused Gentle Fist and receive his warning to evacuate the Forest of Death and alert the Hokage. 18 19

Anbu later investigate Hayate Gekko’s death. Their investigation confirms that the masked youth seen in the Forest of Death was not an Anbu member and had used Yugao’s stolen mask. 36 38

Organization

Identity Security

Anbu operatives wear masks and keep their civilian identities confidential. When Orochimaru tears off Yugao’s mask, the squad considers the mission compromised because he has seen her face. 13

• Yugao’s mask and uniform are appropriated by Neji during the Forest of Death incident. 12 13 14
• Kabuto, Orochimaru, Sakura, Tenten, Rock Lee, and other witnesses mistake Neji for a genuine Anbu operative. 15 17 20 24
• The Hokage’s investigation later establishes that no Anbu youth matching Neji’s description exists. 24 36 38

Training Facilities

An old training ground within the Forest of Death was previously used by an Anbu organization. The facility contains extensive wooden-stake and projectile-training areas, though the organization had reportedly moved to a larger site a few months earlier. 21

• Rumors state that the former group was unusually secretive and did not report directly to the Hokage, though the details are unknown. 21

Known Members

• Uzuki Yugao — Anbu operative whose mask is torn off by Orochimaru; Neji later uses her dropped mask as part of his disguise. 12 13 14
• Unnamed sturdy Anbu — Supports Anko’s squad against Orochimaru and comments on the masked youth’s combat ability. 12 17 18
• Unnamed stoic Anbu — Observes Neji’s use of Hyuga-style Gentle Fist against Orochimaru. 17 18
• Unnamed fallen operative — Incapacitated during Orochimaru’s attack in the Forest of Death. 13 14

Story Role / Major Arcs

Forest of Death

• Respond to Orochimaru’s intrusion after Anko identifies him and orders the Hokage notified. 9 12
• Are nearly defeated by Orochimaru before Neji intervenes under Yugao’s mask. 13
• Witness Neji suppress Orochimaru with lightning-natured Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. 17 18
• Withdraw from the forest and report the threat at Neji’s urging. 19

Hayate Gekko Investigation

• Anko and Yugao are assigned to investigate Hayate’s death. 36
• Their inquiries contribute to the conclusion that the mysterious masked youth is an impostor rather than an actual Anbu operative. 36 38

Trivia

• Neji’s impersonation is convincing enough that Kabuto repeatedly revises his assessment of the “Anbu youth,” even suspecting that he is an elite Konoha assassin. 15
• The Anbu disguise also causes Team Guy to admire an “expert” whose palm techniques they do not realize are Neji’s. 16 21