A Hokage inNarutois the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village who manages international and national affairs. The fundamental requirement for a Hokage is to be a strong ninja who is acknowledged by the people of your village. If either of those two things is missing, a Hokage will not be able to lead their village.
With this criteria in mind, several ninjas from the Leaf Village had the potential to become great Hokage. However, they were either not interested or it was too late for them to be considered for the position, making it impossible for them to become Hokage in the main story.
8Shikamaru Nara
A Highly Clever And Wise Ninja
Shikamaru has always been one of the smartest characters in Naruto. He was the sole ninja from the academy who became a Chunin during the Chunin Exams. Shikamaru also showed exceptional leadership skills during the Sasuke retrieval arc. With his intelligence and quick thinking, Shikamaru would be able to deal with political matters instantly.
The only thing that would hold Shikamaru back is his lack of power. However, he can make that up with his intricate plans. Given enough prep time, information, and resources, he could devise plans to defeat almost any ninja.
7Sakura Haruno
The Strongest Medical Ninja In The World
Sakura may have had a rough start during her childhood, but she soonbecame one of the most reliable ninjas of all time. She showed nerves of steel while saving Kankuro’s life and was able to make an antidote that even Lady Chio could not make. Even during the Fourth Great Ninja War, both Naruto and Sasuke would’ve died without Sakura’s help.
As an adult, Sakura completely surpassed Tsunade in all aspects. She has matured enough to be a great leader while being highly intelligent. She is also accepted and acknowledged by the entire village as someone who contributed greatly to saving the world from Kaguya.
6Shino Aburame
The Underrated Prodigy
Many may have forgotten since Shino was sidelined in Shippuden, but in the original Naruto series, he was one of the strongest Genin. He showed great intellect and nerves of steel during Orochimaru’s attack on the Leaf Village. Not to mention he is also from the Aburame clan, which is an honored clan in the Leaf Village.
Unfortunately, Shino might be a great Hokage candidate, but he is not perfect. Shino’s lack of social skills is one of his only downfalls, making it difficult for him to smoothly negotiate with other nations. However, he could overcome that with a good advisor.
5Itachi Uchiha
The Genius Of The Uchiha Clan
Itachi is the perfect Hokage candidate The Leaf Village could ask for. The Third Hokage even mentions that Itachi was thinking like a Hokage at the mere age of seven. After Minato’s death, Itachi can also be considered the strongest ninja in the village.
If the Uchiha Clan massacre had never occurred, Itachi would have likely become Hokage. His negotiation skills, knowledge, and power would’ve made him one of the best Hokage the village has ever seen. Not to mention, Itachi isone of the strongest ninjasin not just the Leaf Village, but the whole world.
4Neji Hyuga
A Child Who Surpassed The Main Family
Neji was considered one of the best prodigies of his time. Even the leader of the Hyuga Clan’s main branch was shocked and even terrified at Neji’s brilliance. After his fight with Naruto, Neji saw a new perspective of the world and became much more wise.
With Neji being from one of the most renowned clans of the village, the people wouldn’t hesitate to accept him as Hokage. Neji also had enough potential to be one of the strongest Ninjas as an adult. Combining that with his intellect will give you an amazing Hokage.
3Sakumo Hatake
A Legendary Ninja Stronger Than The Sannin
As you can guess from his last name,Sakumo was Kakashi’s father. He was strong enough to be known as the White Fang of the Hidden Leaf. Unfortunately, Sakumo was slandered by his fellow ninja because he prioritized his comrades' lives over the mission. This led to Sakumo taking his own life.
Minato says that the Sannin paled in comparison to the White Fang, showing how incredibly overpowered Sakumo truly was. The only probable reason he was not chosen for the position of Hokage is because of Minato. Otherwise, Sakumo was likely the strongest ninja in the Leaf Village after Minato.
2Madara Uchiha
The Founder Of The Leaf Village
Madara formed the Hidden Leaf Village alongside Hashirama. We all know how absurdly strong Madara is, so he automatically fulfills that requirement of being Hokage. However, his cleverness, desire for growth, and decades of experience as the leader of the Uchiha Clan would’ve likely made the Leaf Village rule over everyone else.
Unlike Hashirama, Madara would not have catered to the other villages despite being much stronger than all of them. Unfortunately, the public favored Hashirama over Madara. Despite this, Madara at his core, is a kind person who can quickly prove himself to the citizens and become a great Hokage.
1Might Guy
The Blue Beast Of The Hidden Leaf Village
Might Guy is considered a failure who grew to be the strongest Taijutsu user of all time. His view of the world and care for his comrades would make him a great Hokage. Of course, as someone with years of experience and the ability to defeat Kage-level opponents, Might Guy is not lacking in the strength department either.
The only weakness Guy would have as a Hokage is his naive nature. Guy is a trusting individual who may not be as quick-witted as the rest of the Hokage. Regardless, this is a very easy weakness to overcome with the help of a trusted advisor.
