Naruto Officially Confirms Plans For Its 9th Hokage

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

The position of Kage for any ninja village in the Naruto franchise is meant to protect, preserve order, and lead the shinobi might of their home. But naturally, the position of supreme ninja leader is never immune to subterfuge, with the plot of both Naruto and now Boruto showing bureaucratic leaders like the village elders or Feudal Lord advisors influencing who dons the robe and hat. Shikamaru Nara was the noteworthy Lord Eighth, given the difficult task to succeed Naruto Uzumaki who was presumed dead at the hands of Boruto, but in learning the truth about Naruto's son, Shikamaru too is at risk of being replaced. This time, Kobu is eyeing Konohamaru Sarutobi.

Konohamaru would be the Ninth Hokage should Kobu get his way, and this idea isn't without precedent. This would be the second time a Sarutobi has held the Hokage title after Lord Third, Hiruzen, with Konohamaru vetted since childhood for the role. He's wanted it just as badly as Naruto did when they were kids, but don't be too hasty to celebrate this particular dream come true.

Konoha Has Its 9th Hokage Lined Up Whether Its Ready Or Not

Part of the ongoing scheme by Lord Kobu to remove Shikamaru from power, with Koji Kashin seemingly suggesting Shikamaru accept his fate this time, it appears Konohamaru will be set up as the Ninth Hokage in the coming chapters. Ever since the Mamushi Arc, it's been clear he's had particular disdain for Shikamaru, and that's remained unchanged through the present. Now, it becomes clear that Kobu has actively gathered evidence to demote Shikamaru, and select his replacement, although even that has somewhat nefarious purposes behind it.

Konohamaru is already being eyed as the successor to take the role not for his leadership abilities, but because he's someone the village will trust who will ultimately work as a figurehead ruler with Kobu pulling the strings from the background. It turns out that peacetime has warped the Daimyo's advisor's perception to the point where he believes the ninja villages have served their purposes and now must be phased out. It means that, should Kobu get his way, Konohamaru would be the last to hold the Kage title before the ninja world ceases to exist in the Naruto franchise.

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  First Film

  Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

  Latest Film

  Boruto: Naruto the Movie

  First TV Show

  Naruto

  Latest TV Show

  Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

  First Episode Air Date

  October 3, 2002

  Cast

  Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei

  Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.

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  Writer

  Masashi Kishimoto

  Writers

  Masashi Kishimoto

  Penciler(s)

  Mikio Ikemoto

  Inker(s)

  Mikio Ikemoto

  Colorist(s)

  Mikio Ikemoto

  Publisher(s)

  Viz Media

  Years after fleeing his village with Sasuke, Boruto returns to confront the dark changes that have occurred. With memories altered and Kawaki now seen as the hero, Boruto faces a world where he is the outcast. The two rivals must settle their differences as their Otsutsuki powers grow more dangerous.