ANBU

Biodata

Background / History

After the Uchiha massacre, the Third Hokage stationed ANBU around the clan compound, ostensibly to protect it. Sahiro Uchiha regarded their presence as surveillance of him and Sasuke. When three ANBU summoned Sahiro to the Hokage at night, two mocked the ruined compound; Sahiro accused the unit of blocking its exits during the massacre and counting the dead afterward. The summons escalated into a fight before the Hokage arrived and reprimanded the operatives for exceeding his instructions 5 6.

ANBU and Root operate separately in the account. When Root attacked Sahiro and Ino Yamanaka, three ANBU brought a decree from the Third Hokage forbidding attacks on Sahiro. Root rejected the decree, and its leader attacked the ANBU commander 12.

During the Chūnin Exams, two masked ANBU took the injured Sasuke from Team 7’s resting place, claiming that the move was for his protection after Orochimaru’s attack. Naruto and Sakura resisted, and Sahiro later challenged the Hokage over whether the operation was protection or an abduction 41 42 46.

Abilities & Skills

Combat and security operations

• A dog-masked operative fought with a kunai, while an ape-masked operative used Wind Release and an Earth Release defense. Sahiro defeated both during their confrontation at the Uchiha compound 6.
• ANBU accompanied the Third Hokage to surround Team 7’s training ground during a clash with Root 10.
• Anko requested ANBU support after discovering evidence that Orochimaru had infiltrated the Chūnin Exams 38.

Equipment / Items

• Animal masks — cat, dog and ape masks identify the three operatives sent to summon Sahiro; other ANBU also wear animal masks 5 41.
• Kunai — carried by the operatives who confronted Sahiro and by the ANBU commander who opposed Root 6 12.
• Hokage’s decree token — displayed by an ANBU commander to announce the order protecting Sahiro 12.

Relationships

• Hiruzen Sarutobi — the Third Hokage stations ANBU at the Uchiha compound, summons Sahiro through them and reprimands the operatives who exceed his instructions 5 6.
• Sahiro Uchiha — subject of prolonged surveillance and several tense encounters; ANBU later intervene against a Root attack on him 5 6 12.
• Sasuke Uchiha — taken from Team 7’s resting place by two ANBU while injured; the stated purpose of his removal is disputed by Sahiro 41 42 46.
• Root — a distinct force whose operatives defy a Hokage decree delivered by ANBU 12.