The Anbu which stands for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai (Special Assassination and Tactical Squad) is one of the elite and underground squads that resides in one of the villages of Konohagakure.
The Anbu members are highly skilled ninjas who operate their missions in secrecy within the village. They take dangerous and classified missions that most regular ninjas hesitant to undertake.
Most people consider the Anbu weaker than other ninja squads. However, that is a subjective opinion, as they are considered weak mostly because of various factors within the storyline of the series.
The inconsistency in writing makes them seem weak, but there are various factors behind the statement. Anbu members operate in secrecy and most of their missions put them at high risk.
It often involves Anbu members facing frightening opponents. Their mission always puts them in a situation where the odds are always against them.
This factor makes them seem weak in front of the viewers, however, that is not entirely true. The Anbu members always operate alone so they rely on their individual skills and discretion.
So it makes them vulnerable where teamwork could be essential. Since Anbu is a secret mission ninja squad, the members always have to operate everything in isolation.
It limits their ability to exchange information with others and coordinate their mission with other ninjas. They also lack support and find themselves at a disadvantage whenever they go through a conflict with the other party.
Anbu missions are very dangerous and their members face higher casualty rates, which greatly contributes to the belief that they are weaker. As the squad keeps training recruits.
Anbu members always focus on secrecy and assassination, so they lack direct combat abilities, which puts them in a high spot against their formidable enemy.
In Naruto, individual Anbu members face personal weaknesses and go through challenging circumstances that affect their performance.
Many fans believe that Anbu’s weakness is a deliberate narrative choice by the creators to show that other characters are better than them.
By creating challenges for the members, since Naruto relies heavily on the growth and development of the characters. Anbu’s weakness is being used as a plot device to drive the story forward with better arcs.
Characteristics of Anbu Members
All the Anbu members keep their identities hidden by wearing their animal masks. All the masks symbolize different animals, and each member uses a mask that resonates best with them.
This element makes the organisation and its members more mysterious and highlights the secretive nature of the squad.
The Anbu members get picked to become a part of the squad from the ranks of experienced and skilled ninjas. They go through rigorous training, both physically and mentally.
To become elite secret agents who could carry out high stake secret missions. All the Anbu members are highly versed in various ninja arts, like assassination techniques, intelligence gathering, and covert operations.
They have a wide range of jutsu and combat skills, which makes them versatile in various fields. They mostly work alone so they are fully capable of working independently without any backup.
However, that does not stop them from collaborating with other members on team missions whenever their situation demands it.
The Anbu squad is operated by the captain, who holds the leadership position within the squad. In Naruto, the person who holds the captainship has to be a highly experienced and skilled ninja to lead the team of agents.
The Anbu members not only get picked based on their physical abilities, but also because of their mental resilience.
As they have to go through many complex situations where they have to make their own decisions for the success of their mission.
The Anbu agent’s loyalty lies with their village and their leaders. Their commitment is symbolized by the use of the Konoha symbol on their uniform.
Even though the Anbu members are portrayed as elite, Naruto explores the challenges and sacrifices that the members of the squad go through to fulfil their mission.
They are a part of a highly secretive and demanding organization. Kakashi Hatake, Itachi Uchiha, and Yamato play a major role in being a part of the squad.
The Anbu members are a significant part of the Naruto story line, as the series showcases their skills, struggles and personal growth throughout the series.
All the members prioritize the well being and safety of their villagers. It is quite evident from their actions as they go on many life threatning missions to protect their village from Akatsuki and other notorious ninjas who try to target Konohagakure in various instances.
They continue to remain a threat to their village so the Anbu members go on missions to eliminate those assaults and invasions to protect their village from possible threats.
