Within the hidden village of Konoha, an elite force operates in the shadows, ensuring the security and stability of the village. They are called the Anbu. They are the most secretive faction within Konoha’s shinobi forces. They even go as far as using masks so that nobody, not even the people of Konoha itself, knows who are the members of the Anbu.
This article delves into the enigmatic world of Konoha's Anbu, shedding light on their recruitment method, roles and responsibilities, and the intriguing divergence with Danzo's roots. Join us as we explore the depths of this clandestine organization within the Naruto universe.
The Recruitment Method
Most shinobi in Konoha can either apply or be appointed to any particular mission. And for the most part, every shinobi stays in the same team as the one formed during their academy days in order to ensure perfect teamwork and a deep sense of camaraderie. The Anbu, however, works in entirely different ways.
There are two ways to become a member of the Anbu. First is by personally hand-picked by the Hokage. In any given moment, if the Hokage finds a Konoha shinobi that has the technical ability and also the mental capacity to become a member of Anbu, then the Hokage has the rights to recruit that particular shinobi. They may refuse that offer, but since it is considered as a big honor to receive such an offer from the Hokage, most shinobi accept this appointment in a heartbeat.
The other way to get into the Anbu is by being scouted. Certain members of the Anbu are always on the lookout for young emerging talent within the village. They closely monitor the ability of the students in the Shinobi Academy. After all, it’s easier to teach a young student in the ways of the Anbu, than teaching an adult that may already set in his ways. As a matter of fact, this is precisely how Itachi Uchiha joins the Anbu. He was recruited when he was just 11-years-old. They feel that not only Itachi has the skills that are greater than his peers, he also has the right attitude and mental capacity to be a member of the Anbu.
Anbu's Roles and Responsibilities
The Anbu serve as the covert arm of Konoha, tasked with carrying out high-risk missions, intelligence gathering, and protecting the village from internal and external threats. In a way, the Anbu is just like the combination of the FBI and CIA of Konoha. However, since their work covers the matters inside and outside the Konoha, their mission often overlaps with the other security agencies in Konoha, such as the Konoha Military Police Force. But since Anbu reports directly to Hokage, they are pretty much untouchable by the police, which creates friction between the two organizations.
The Anbu operate with utmost secrecy, concealing their identities behind distinctive masks that symbolize their animal codenames. Each member specializes in a specific field, such as assassination, interrogation, infiltration, or reconnaissance. Anbu often works in a small team composed of shinobi from different specializations. Needless to say, apart from their personal field of expertise, every member of the Anbu are extremely adept at combat. Some of them can even hunt and kill a group of shinobi on their own.
The Anbu also act as bodyguards for the Hokage, serving as the last line of defense against any potential threats. Their proficiency in combat, espionage, and their ability to swiftly adapt to various situations make them indispensable assets in safeguarding Konoha's interests. Furthermore, their dedication and unwavering loyalty to Konoha make them an integral part of maintaining peace and order within the village.
Divergence with Danzo's Roots
While the Anbu as a whole is dedicated to protecting Konoha, a notable divergence arises with Danzo's involvement. Danzo, a prominent figure within the village, creates a specialized division within the Anbu known as "Root." Root operates with a more clandestine and ruthless approach, often resorting to morally questionable methods to safeguard Konoha's interests.
Unlike the standard Anbu, Root members operate outside the traditional chain of command, answering only to Danzo. The existence of Root creates a dichotomy within the Anbu, with some members adhering to the principles of duty and honor, while others are entangled in Danzo's shadowy machinations. This divergence adds layers of complexity and moral ambiguity to the Anbu, showcasing the internal struggles and conflicting loyalties that some Anbu members face.
The existence of Danzo's Root division introduces a nuanced contrast within the Anbu, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and conflicts that arise within this secretive organization. On one hand, some of the methods that they employ in order to achieve their missions are not only illegal, but can also be inhumane, such as their decision to nurture young people to become ruthless pawns for the Roots, such as Sai. On the other hand, their intelligence is highly useful to the upper echelons in Konoha to help them make the correct and best decisions for the village. Thankfully, the Roots are disbanded after the death of their leader, Danzo.
Konoha's Anbu represents the hidden protectors and enforcers within the Naruto universe, operating silently to ensure the village's safety. Their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty to the village stand as a testament to their crucial role in maintaining peace and protecting the hidden village they call home.