Infiltration and Reconnaissance Party

The Infiltration and Reconnaissance Party was a handpicked Konoha unit built around a single objective: finding Kabuto Yakushi. Anko Mitarashi commanded the group, and its pursuit of him eventually uncovered the location of Akatsuki's stronghold at the Mountains' Graveyard. Passed on to the Allied Shinobi Forces, that discovery gave the alliance a crucial window into the enemy's operations.

The squad's earliest lineup paired Anko with Yamato and Sai. An ink clone made by Sai pinpointed Kabuto, but the chance to seize him slipped away when Yamato had to break off after sensing Naruto slip into his six-tailed state; Sai later returned home for reasons left unstated. A reshaped team then trailed a string of Takigakure corpses Kabuto had left behind, which tipped Anko off that he was testing his grip over Orochimaru's remains, though the abandoned bodies puzzled her.

Following the trail to the edges of the Mountains' Graveyard, Tokuma Hyūga used his Byakugan to spot Kabuto conferring with Tobi, and the team relayed word of the apparent headquarters to Konoha. Once the Fourth Shinobi World War broke out, scouting Akatsuki became urgent, and Muta Aburame joined to gather intelligence through worms native to the area, confirming a vast host of the White Zetsu Army buried below. As enemies began to emerge, Anko ordered a retreat and pressed on alone, only to be caught by Kabuto.

Anko Mitarashi anchored every version of the party. Tokuma Hyūga stayed behind to cover the withdrawal after Akatsuki's Surprise Attack and Diversion Platoon detected them, letting Muta Aburame and Ranka flee. Realizing escape was hopeless, Muta sent the gathered intelligence onward with his insects and used an Insect Jamming Technique to stall pursuit. He was later captured and turned into a living booby trap; the Surprise Attack Division shielded Zaji just before he detonated. Tokuma and Ranka, likewise puppeted by Sasori, were freed by Omoi and healed by Kiri. Earlier rosters had also included Yamato and Sai.