A/N: My first Naruto100 entry that's actually 100 words. Go Me. Entry for "Underneath the Underneath".
These Masks We Wear
Anyone who calls themselves a ninja must wear a mask, whether that mask can be seen or not. For ninjas are simply tools of war, to be used at the direction of their superiors. In order to become a tool, to be an unseen killer, takes a person willing to eradicate all feelings, all morals, all inhibitions. Any emotion, rage, sadness, even fear, must be kept hidden behind a mask of cold indifference. And now, standing in the rain with tears running down his face, staring at the dead bodies of his team mates, Shikamaru is glad ANBU wear masks.