ANBU was a sacred organization, an association of allusive assassins who reported to only two of the highest ranked ninja in the village: The ANBU director, and the Hokage.

When ANBU wanted a new member they snatched you up before you got too famous, adding your prime to their ranks they took your identity, and left behind a few inches of inked skin.

You became known only by a mask that your victim saw before you killed them, destroyed them, all for the sake of your village. When you resurfaced ten years later it was always with different circumstances.

The most popular mode of life after ANBU was your name emblazoned on the tribute stone, not especially appealing, however it was the most common end result. It was one of the only results that freed you from the grip of ANBU.

The other choice was your sudden appearance in a long term Konoha hospital ward or a prison sentence. And out of the nin that experienced this result there were the few who forgot who they were and their pride of Konohagakure.

They became missing nin.

Then there was the much mo that preferable option of simple re-admittance to the Konoha duty roster, sudden appearance in the mission's room to pick up your next mission assignment. These were the ex-ANBU whom actually got to see a mission that wasn't S-ranked, like all ANBU received.

Some ANBU had problems readjusting to society once more. They experienced depression, dementia, and suicidal tendencies. Some just became bothered, they had demons they were able to keep hidden. Effected but not letting anyone see how much.

ANBU was a prestigious group, the greatest of Konohagakure. They were the ones that sacrificed their minds and souls and donned a mask. And they were the ones who gasped fresh air when they took that mask off, one way or another.

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Thanks to all that read!