The Ever-Evolving Legacy of the Hokage: From Hashirama to… Who’s Next?
The Hokage. It is more than a title in Naruto and Boruto. It stands for leadership, strength, and the spirit of the Hidden Leaf Village. For generations, these figures have protected the village through peace and peril. As legends retire, we wonder: Who will wear the Hokage cloak next?
The Lineage of Legends: Officially Recognized Hokage
Before we speculate, let’s honor those in Hokage history. They are the giants of Konoha:
- First Hokage: Hashirama Senju. The original Hokage. His Wood Style was so impressive that forests sprouted wherever he walked.
- Second Hokage: Tobirama Senju. Hashirama’s brother and a genius with water style jutsu. He had a complicated relationship with the Uchiha clan.
- Third Hokage: Hiruzen Sarutobi. Known as “the Professor.” He was skilled in every technique Konoha had. Remarkably young for a Hokage.
- Fourth Hokage: Minato Namikaze. The Yellow Flash! He made teleportation seem easy. Naruto’s father, though his life ended too soon.
- Fifth Hokage: Tsunade. The first female Hokage! Known as the slug princess. Some call her weak, but have they seen her punch?
- Sixth Hokage: Kakashi Hatake. The Copy Ninja. Kakashi was cool and somewhat lazy. Lost his Sharingan in the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- Seventh Hokage: Naruto Uzumaki. The once knuckleheaded ninja who achieved his dream. He became Hokage and protected Konoha, but faced challenges.
Eighth Hokage: The Succession Speculation Begins
With Naruto’s current situation, the question of the Eighth Hokage arises. Who will handle paperwork and threats? Many suggest Sasuke Uchiha. After Naruto’s leave, Sasuke could serve as interim Hokage. He acts as the village’s unseen guardian. However, Shikamaru Nara is another contender. His intelligence and strategic mind are notable, but his raw power might be lacking. Konoha must choose what they value in their next leader.
Ninth Hokage: Looking Further Down the Line
Who comes after the Eighth Hokage? One possible name is Konohamaru Sarutobi. He embodies the “Will of Fire” and aims to be Hokage. He is Asuma’s nephew. Then there’s Sriram Uzumaki. Some say he would usher in a golden age of peace for Konoha. His existence remains unproven in main stories.
Tenth Hokage: Sarada’s Time to Shine?
Next is the Tenth Hokage. A name often mentioned is Sarada Uchiha, the daughter of Sasuke and Sakura. Sarada aspires to become Hokage. She possesses ambition and skill. Some speculate she will conclude the series as Hokage. Another name is Ichigo Uzumaki. Details about him are scarce, but he is rumored in fan circles as a Tenth Hokage.
Beyond the Tenth: Fan-Created Hokage and the Endless Possibilities
Now, into non-canon Hokage territory. Fans love to imagine what’s next. Enter Dorian Kless, the Twelfth Hokage in some fan discussions. Officially, he does not exist in canon. Alongside him is Ketsugo Uzumaki, the Thirteenth Hokage, credited with rebuilding Konoha after disaster. Quite heroic, although fan-made.
Boruto and the Hokage Legacy: A Different Path
We cannot discuss future Hokage without mentioning Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son. But here’s the twist: Boruto declared he does not want to be Hokage. He prefers supporting from the sidelines and pursuing his own ninja journey. He has a unique Jōgan eye and Sarada Uchiha is his romantic partner. Fans even create a son for them: Soruto Uzumaki. Soruto is not canon but captivates fan imaginations. The Hokage lineage intertwines history, speculation, and fan creativity. From founders to future leaders, the spirit of the Hokage thrives. The official path may be unclear, but one fact remains: the Hidden Leaf Village needs a strong leader to protect its legacy.
