Article Overview
- Becoming Hokage involves being a Jonin, having an in-depth understanding of Konoha, and demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities.
- Sarada Uchiha aspires to become Hokage, inspired by Naruto Uzumaki rather than her father, Sasuke.
- As a Genin, Sarada already exhibits promising leadership potential, suggesting she may one day achieve the rank of Hokage.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Naruto and Boruto.
Fans of Boruto have recently enjoyed thrilling developments, particularly with the ongoing arc in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. This storyline promises explosive battles, notably featuring Boruto Uzumaki stepping into the spotlight. However, another character gaining significant attention is Sarada Uchiha.
Having unveiled her impressive new abilities, Sarada stands out as one of the most formidable characters in the series, showcasing tremendous growth potential. From her early declarations of wanting to become Hokage, the critical question remains: Does she possess the necessary attributes to succeed in such a prestigious role?
Understanding the Path to Hokage
The Hokage represents the pinnacle of leadership in Konohagakure and is generally acknowledged as the village’s most powerful ninja, although this may not always hold true. While each of the hidden villages in the Five Great Shinobi Countries has its own Kage, the position of Hokage was first established by Hashirama Senju, Konoha’s first leader, paving the way for other villages to adopt similar roles.
Typically, the current Hokage selects their successor. If that’s impossible, the former Hokage, if still alive, may intervene. Failing that, the daimyo of the Land of Fire, assisted by a committee including the Council of Elders, the Jonin Commander, and an Anbu representative, will determine the next Hokage, who must then receive ratification from Konoha’s Jonin Council.
Though precise qualifications remain somewhat ambiguous, it is clear that a candidate must at least be a Jonin. Notably, Naruto Uzumaki’s intensive training was essential to meet the Hokage requirements, indicating that sheer strength alone isn’t sufficient for this esteemed position. Candidates must also command respect among their peers and possess a firm grasp of Konoha’s inner workings, as their duties involve navigating complex bureaucratic challenges and making crucial diplomatic and military decisions.
Sarada’s Ambition to Become Hokage
Sarada Uchiha looks up to Naruto Uzumaki, aiming to emulate him on her journey to become Hokage, as highlighted in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Her admiration is evident when she expresses a desire to follow Naruto’s path specifically, diverging from Boruto, who favors his father Sasuke as his role model.
“Lord Seventh once brought back my dad, who’d gone rogue and committed great crimes. My role model is Lord Seventh…”
— Sarada Uchiha in Boruto TBB Chapter 1
This dynamic reveals how Sarada acknowledges Naruto’s strengths while Boruto is more critical of Sasuke’s past. Such perspectives illuminate their recognition of their parents’ shortcomings, which likely influences their choice in role models. While Sarada has ascended to Chunin in the anime, her manga counterpart has yet to achieve this milestone, leaving her progress in question for future adaptations.
Assessing Sarada’s Capabilities for Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRyH7N9DkHQ
Although Sarada has displayed considerable strength and is poised to surpass Sasuke, she remains a Genin in the series. Some speculate that her delay in promotion to Chunin is a consequence of Shikamaru’s disapproval regarding her opposition to the “hunt against Boruto” in Konoha, as she undeniably exhibits combat abilities that warrant a higher rank.
The shinobi rank structure in Konoha is as follows:
- Genin
- Chunin
- Special Jonin (Tokubetsu Jonin) — proficient in specific areas
- Jonin
- Kage
It is likely only a matter of time before Sarada earns her Chunin promotion and progresses through to Jonin. While the exact criteria for becoming a Hokage remain unclear, it is hard to envision someone as bright and committed as Sarada failing to meet them by the series’ conclusion, especially since she already exhibits strong leadership traits.
Is Sarada Destined to Become Hokage?
While Sarada appears to fulfill the foundational requirements for leadership, it does not guarantee her position as Hokage. Ideally, she could become Hokage, though perhaps not by the end of the series given her youth.
Moreover, while she may not yet grasp all responsibilities tied to being Hokage, her character suggests resilience in navigating the many bureaucratic hurdles that accompany such a role. The storyline could steer her in a different direction; however, it is hard to believe she won’t ultimately assume the title — particularly if Naruto chooses her as his successor.
For those keen on following her journey, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is streaming on MANGA Plus.