Sakura could also be a great candidate. She has proven herself to be a strong ninja, both in combat and in medical skills. As the Sixth Hokage, she could focus on improving the medical and educational facilities in the village, while also being a tough leader in times of conflict.
Naruto himself would be an obvious choice. He has the strength, the popularity among the villagers, and the experience from all his adventures. He would bring a new energy and a more inclusive approach to leading the village.
Shikamaru is another possibility. He is highly intelligent and has great strategic thinking skills. He could use his intelligence to make the village more prosperous and safe. His laid - back attitude might also make him a more approachable leader compared to some of the more intense ninja leaders in the past.
Sasuke could be a great choice. He has powerful abilities and a complex past. His experience as an avenger and then his redemption arc gives him a lot of depth. He has also learned from Naruto and has a different perspective on leadership. He could bring a more strict and strategic approach to being Hokage compared to Naruto.
Perhaps the main antagonist is a spirit or a curse that has been awakened. This curse could be slowly influencing the villagers to turn against Naruto. It could be something that was sealed away long ago and now has broken free due to some mistake or interference. The antagonist could also be a mastermind from another hidden village who is using spies and psychological warfare to undermine Naruto's rule as the Sixth Hokage.
Obviously, Naruto would be one of the main characters as it's about him becoming the sixth Hokage.
Well, in a 'naruto the sixth hokage fanfic', it could explore Naruto's relationships in this new role. Maybe it shows how he interacts with his old friends like Sasuke, who might have a role in supporting or challenging him. It could also involve new threats to the village that Naruto has to deal with as the Hokage, and how he uses his unique skills and leadership to overcome them. Additionally, it might delve into the internal politics of the village and how Naruto navigates through them.
Perhaps a powerful and corrupt merchant group could be the antagonists. They are secretly trying to take over the village's economy and resources. They use bribes and blackmail to get their way. The Sixth Hokage discovers their plot and has to stop them without causing too much chaos in the village's economic system. They may also have some ninja mercenaries working for them.
One possibility is that the fanfic could focus on Naruto's initial struggles in his new role. He might face opposition from some in the village who don't think he's ready. For example, some of the older clans might be skeptical. Also, Naruto would have to deal with the political aspects, like managing the village's resources and relations with other villages. He could start new training programs for the younger ninja, inspired by his own journey. And of course, there would be personal challenges, like balancing his family life with Hinata and their kids and his duties as Hokage.
Naruto's son, Boruto, might also be a possibility. He has been growing up in the shadow of his father but has his own unique skills and a different perspective on the ninja world, which could make him a great 8th Hokage.
Jiraiya could be a candidate if he were somehow made immortal. He already has a deep connection with Naruto and has taught him a great deal. His knowledge of Sage Mode and other jutsu could be further expanded if he were immortal, and he could continue to guide Naruto for a much longer time.
Shikamaru is another possibility. He is known for his strategic mind. As Hokage, he could use his intelligence to make wise decisions for the village. He may not have the brute strength of Naruto or Sasuke, but his ability to plan and analyze situations would be invaluable in leading Konoha.
Sasuke could also be a possibility for the 6th Hokage in the fanfic. He has grown stronger over the years and his unique perspective on the ninja world could bring new ideas to the leadership of the Hidden Leaf. He might start off as a controversial choice but prove himself through his actions in protecting the village and making tough decisions.