After sending the Sarutobi, Mito, Koharu, and Shimura clan heads to Konoha Prison and dismissing the rest of the clan leaders, Uchiha Fugaku descended to the ANBU headquarters beneath the Hokage Tower.
The base bore clear signs of battle—fresh blood still stained the ground.
In the end, victory had gone to Fugaku's side. His No. 1 Spore Clone, wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan and possessing Kage-level strength, had fought alongside the Uchiha to overwhelm the ANBU.
All surviving ANBU operatives were now confined in a wide underground chamber.
Carrying the Third Hokage's corpse with him, Fugaku swept his gaze over the restrained ANBU and said coldly,
"The Third Hokage died from the backlash of a forbidden technique. By decree of the Daimyō, I now serve as Acting Hokage. Will you submit to me… or resist to the end? "
ANBU played an essential role in any shinobi village; Fugaku had no intention of erasing them entirely.
If they chose to submit, he would overlook their past opposition. But if they resisted, he would send them all to rot in Konoha Prison.
"The Third Hokage… is dead? "
"Clan Head Fugaku is the Acting Hokage? "
"With the third dead… what do we do now? "
Whispers spread among the ANBU. Seeing the Hokage's body and hearing Fugaku's words, their shock was immense. They understood now—no rescue would ever come. It was time to choose.
"Well? Have you made up your minds? "
Fugaku's voice was calm, but it struck them like a hammer.
"…I will submit."
"I, too, will submit."
"Uchiha Fugaku—dream on if you think I'll bow to you! "
In the end, most ANBU pledged loyalty to Fugaku. A handful, however, chose defiance.
Unsurprisingly, those who resisted belonged to the Sarutobi, Mito, Koharu, and Shimura clans. They knew that even if they surrendered, Fugaku would never spare them or their families.
Fugaku showed no mercy. The defiant were all sent to Konoha Prison.
With that, the coup was essentially over.
There were still matters to settle—appeasing the clans, announcing Hiruzen's death, and proclaiming himself Acting Hokage—but those were minor details.
With the Daimyō's written order, his takeover could be framed as legitimate and righteous.
Later, within the Uchiha compound, Fugaku personally hosted the Daimyō's envoys.
"Gentlemen, my thanks to you all."
Fugaku bowed in gratitude.
"Acting Hokage-sama is too polite."
A plump middle-aged man chuckled. He was the head of the Iwai clan, one of those Fugaku had previously visited.
"Indeed, Hokage-sama, we merely carried out the Daimyō's will in assisting you."
The others smiled as well.
Now that Fugaku was acting Hokage—and almost certain to become the Fifth—earning his favor was an invaluable advantage for their clans.
After treating them warmly, Fugaku left for the Naka Shrine.
There, a full clan assembly was convened. All jōnin and higher-ranking Uchiha shinobi were present.
Excitement ran high.
For years, the Third Hokage's faction had oppressed them, forcing the clan into humiliation.
Now, the Uchiha had toppled Hiruzen, killed him, and seized the Hokage's seat. Their pent-up fury had been unleashed.
"At last! The Uchiha Clan has claimed the Hokage's position! "
Third Elder Uchiha Shi trembled with excitement.
"The dream of generations has finally come true! "
Second Elder Uchiha Mamoru's voice was thick with emotion.
"Not so fast," Fugaku said with a smile. "I am only the acting Hokage. I am not yet the true Fifth."
"That's only a matter of time. Who would dare oppose you now? "
First Elder Uchiha Setsuna's eyes gleamed.
"Perhaps. But we cannot grow careless. My standing in the village is strong, yes—but not unchallenged.
Jiraiya and Tsunade both hold immense respect. Their reputations may rival my own. The seat of Hokage is not yet secure."
Fugaku's expression hardened.
"These two may have been away from the village for years," Setsuna countered, "but their influence cannot match yours now."
"That's right," Uchiha Yakumi added. "They've been gone too long—your prestige far outshines theirs."
"Do not underestimate them," Fugaku said firmly. "Even after years away, if they return, their reputations will resurge swiftly. Mine alone may not be enough to suppress them.
Remember—in the original timeline, after the Third's death, the village immediately clamored for one of them to take the hat. Their names still carry tremendous weight."
To secure the Hokage's seat, Fugaku could not afford to take chances with either of the Sannin.
"Then what is your plan, Clan Head? " Second Elder Mamoru asked.
"We seal off all news. Do not let word of the Third's death spread. Then we move quickly to hold the election for the Fifth Hokage."
Fugaku's tone was decisive.
As long as Jiraiya and Tsunade remained unaware, they would not return in time to campaign. The title of Fifth Hokage would be his without question.
"Wise. If the two of them cannot return, then with your current prestige, the seat is yours."
Setsuna nodded approvingly.
"Seal every channel of communication. No messages leave the village."
Fugaku ordered coldly.
"But missions—shinobi will still take assignments outside. That could spread the news."
Uchiha Onko frowned.
"I'll use the excuse of the Third Hokage's funeral to suspend all missions temporarily. That will block any chance of word leaking out."
Fugaku declared.
The meeting concluded, and the clan moved swiftly.
Within hours, all channels of communication were sealed. The mission desk suspended new assignments.
The official announcement declared the Third Hokage had died of illness. His funeral would be held in three days.
And one week later, the election for the Fifth Hokage would begin.