This article contains spoilers from the Naruto series.
Hokage is quite easily the most prestigious position that exists in the world Naruto and Boruto. Simply put, the Hokage is the leader of Konoha, the most powerful shinobi village to ever exist. It is the Hokage's responsibility to protect the village from outside threats and care for each individual who lives there. At the same time, all the diplomatic affairs of the village are taken care of by the Hokage, and this shows how prestigious this position really is.
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Over the years, the Naruto series has seen several Hokage ups and downs, and the position is currently held by everyone's beloved Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. However, Naruto would not last in this position forever. After all, one of the most important parts of being Hokage is learning to pass the torch and inspire the next generation. Another Hokage is then chosen from the next generation and the cycle continues.
While fans have been confused about who will be the next Hokage for quite some time, it seems that Kishimoto actually provided an answer to that question a long time ago, around the time of the Naruto series skip. It's only a matter of time before this new character takes over the leadership of the village.
Naruto Uzumaki can no longer be Hokage in Boruto
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Naruto will not return before the end of Boruto
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Konoha can't stay without a Hokage for too long
Before one gets to who will be the next Hokage of Konoha, one must understand why Konoha needs a new Hokage. Simply put, there are two main reasons why Konoha needs a new Hokage, and soon.
Listen, Boruto. The whole village is my family. Everyone here is mine to protect. — Naruto Uzumaki to Boruto
The first reason is that the writers of Boruto don't want Naruto Uzumaki to be actively involved in the plot.. Unfortunately, this is true of where Naruto Uzumaki stands as a character Boruto series right now. Naruto was stripped of all of his powers in the first Boruto and then sealed by Kawaki towards the end of the series. It has remained sealed ever since and will remain sealed.
3 years have already passed and Konoha cannot continue without the Hokage. At the moment, Shikamaru holds office as the unofficial interim Hokage, but he cannot delay the appointment of a new Hokage for long. Even knowing that Naruto is alive, the fans know very well that Konoha needs a new leader and that is exactly why a new Hokage needs to be chosen.
The second reason why Konoha needs a new Hokage is because Kishimoto emphasized that Naruto Uzumaki will not return until the end of the Boruto series.. As such, the already established storylines of characters becoming Hokage cannot be fulfilled if Naruto simply returns and continues his role as Hokage.
That's not to say Kishimoto can't do it. It simply means that other character arcs that have been slowly developed over the years will simply go to waste. As such, Konoha is in dire need of a new Hokage, and by the end of the series, fans will most likely see not one, but two different Hokages.
Kishimoto had already set up Konohamaru as Naruto's replacement
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Konohamaru was set up by Kishimoto to become Hokage
as things stand Konoha elected Shikamaru Nara as the unofficial Eighth Hokagebut he is clearly not capable of doing the job alone. Shikamaru's talents are best used as an advisor and diplomat. He's not strong enough to be Hokage, and he certainly won't inspire the next generation. So once Konoha actually elects a new Hokage, which should be soon, Shikamaru shouldn't be in the game. The only one fit enough to lead Konoha as the next Hokage at this point should be Konohamaru Sarutobi.
I will be the Seventh Hokage. Big brother Naruto will be the sixth! — Konohamaru Sarutobi
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As fans know, Konohamaru is the grandson of the third Hokage and from one of the most prestigious clans in the village. He's also pretty strong, but unfortunately the Boruto series has done him a disservice. Konohamaru seems to be quite weak right now which is the only thing going against him in terms of him taking the position of Hokage. That said, the Boruto series has shown fans time and time again that all of that can change in an instant.
Sarada was weak, but she got her Mangekyo Sharingan and was incredibly overpowered in an instant. The same can happen to Konohamaru, and if he does, he will be the next Hokage in the village because that's something Kishimoto already established in his original story. Fans should not forget that Konohamaru is the apprentice of Naruto Uzumaki and the grandson of the third Hokage. He himself vowed to become Hokage after Naruto, so Kishimoto should fulfill that promise sooner rather than later.
Sarada Uchiha eventually replaces Konohamaru
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Sarada could become the next Hokage of Konoha
After Konohamaru Sarutobi, Konoha needs to see young blood step up to the position of Hokage, and Sarada Uchiha will eventually land that position. as things stand Sarada will probably take the position of 9th Hokage of Konoha, she becomes his second female Hokage, as well as the first Uchiha to hold the position. Sarada has the right temperament to become Hokage and she certainly has the power to back it up as well.
I made up my mind. I will follow the path of the Seventh Lord and become a ninja like him. — Sarada Uchiha
Sarada is the perfect replacement for Naruto Uzumakieven more than Konohamaru himself. The only thing going against her at this point is experience and maturity. Sarada isn't mature enough to be Hokage at this point, and she certainly doesn't have enough fighting experience. This is sure to change in the years to come as he continues to fight powerful enemies in the Blue Vortex as well as learn the art of diplomacy from the best.
It's unfortunate that Sarada isn't old enough to take that position right now, otherwise without the Seventh, she'd already be Hokage in the village. Currently, Konoha is in safe hands as the next generation is full of powerful and talented ninja. Come to the end of the Boruto series, Sarada was about to fulfill her dream of becoming Hokagewith Boruto Uzumaki at her side as her protector. These two will lead Konoha into a new era of peace, and fans absolutely cannot wait.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is a sequel to the original Boruto series written by Mikio Ikemoto and supervised by Masashi Kishimoto. The series follows the journey of Boruto Uzumaki, 3 years after the events of Omnipotence intervened in the story. Boruto must now work to save the world from the danger he faces when dealing with his brother Kawaki. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 31 is set to be officially released on February 20, 2026. The chapter release time is 10:00 AM EST / 15:00 UTC. As always, fans can read this chapter officially for free on Manga Plus and Shonen Jump.
