Yamagakure Anbu

The ANBU (暗部, ANBU; "Black Ops", English "ANBU Black Ops"; Literally meaning "Dark Side") is actually short for ANsatsu Senjutsu Tokushu BUtai (暗殺戦術特殊部隊, Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai; Literally meaning "Special Assassination and Tactical Squad"). 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 Yamagakure 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 red armor, arm guards, and a signature spiral tattoo on their right shoulder (Female ANBU members have the tattoo located on their left shoulder to determine gender between the ANBU members). Certain ANBU wear white cloaks over their standard uniforms, and squad leaders may wear black 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. All ANBU carry long swords, 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 the Yamakage.

Known ANBU members

 * Gokuto Tsurugi(founder)
 * Urai Mokuzai (Supreme Commander)