Konohagakure is the strongest of all the shinobi villages in Naruto. Ever since its creation by Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha's joint effort, the village has seen the rise of some of the most incredible shinobi. Many of these individuals aimed to become the Hokage as well — that is, the village leader and the strongest shinobi in Konohagakure.
Some succeeded, thanks to possessing tremendous power and their ability to embody the Will of Fire. However, others simply couldn't accomplish the task. These characters, while quite capable, will forever be remembered for their failure to become the Hokage of Konohagakure despite all their attempts.
7 Danzo Shimura Tried To Take Power After Pain's Attack
Danzo was one of Konoha's most dangerous shinobi, whose beliefs could spell the doom of the entire village. After Tsunade fell into a coma following Pain's assault on the village, Danzo stepped up to become the Hokage and attended the Five Kage Summit.
Although he nearly succeeded, he was soon hunted down by Sasuke Uchiha, who sought revenge for his brother. Danzo was killed in the encounter and thankfully, couldn't become the proper Hokage of the village, much to the relief of every fan.6 Fugaku Uchiha Was Beaten By Minato Namikaze
Fugaku Uchiha is the last known leader of the Uchiha clan, and during his days as a shinobi, he was quite skilled. Being the leader of the clan, it goes without saying that Fugaku was one of the most fearsome Uchiha alive. In fact, he was up for the position of the Fourth Hokage following the events of the Third Great Ninja War.
Sadly, he was up against the likes of Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze, and thus didn't stand much of a chance. As expected, he didn't get to become the Hokage, as Minato acquired the position instead.5 Kushina Uzumaki's Dream Was Passed On To Her Son
Kushina was brought to Konohagakure to be made the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. During her time in the Academy, she made her desire to become the Hokage of the village well known to others around her. Although Kushina was very powerful, she was never shown to be a Kage-level ninja by Kishimoto.
Sadly, she never got to live her dream out despite being a fearsome ninja. Her husband, Minato Namikaze, became the Fourth Hokage of the village. Meanwhile, her son Naruto Uzumaki inherited her dreams, and eventually became the Seventh Hokage of the village.4 Orochimaru Was Never Chosen For The Position
Orochimaru was Hiruzen Sarutobi's brightest student and according to the Third Hokage, he held great potential. Orochimaru's skill was considered enough to be easily made a Kage. In the Second Great Ninja War, he acquired the title of "Legendary Sannin," alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade Senju.
While Orochimaru was certainly great, he lacked the Will of Fire, and Hiruzen Sarutobi chose Minato Namikaze to lead instead of him. Ultimately, this became a big factor in Orochimaru abandoning the village for good.3 Obito Uchiha Turned Evil After Rin's Death
Obito Uchiha was a member of Team Minato and shared the dream of becoming the Hokage with his sensei, Minato Namikaze. Although Minato went on to become the Fourth Hokage, Obito never got his chance as he decided to follow Madara's plans, and became a major villain in Naruto Shippuden.
Obito wanted to create a world where Rin was alive and happy, and for that, he needed to start the Project Tsuki no Me and cast Infinite Tsukuyomi over the entire populace. Even though Obito decided to help the Shinobi Alliance towards the end of his life, he ended up dying at Kaguya's hands and passed on his hopes of becoming the Hokage to Kakashi Hatake and Naruto Uzumaki.
2 Sasuke Uchiha Lost To Naruto Uzumaki In The War
Sasuke Uchiha was a major antagonist in the story right up to the climax of the Fourth Great Ninja War, where he talked to the four Hokage and decided to protect the village after all. Although Sasuke did help the Shinobi Alliance against Madara Uchiha and, later, Kaguya Otsutsuki, he also declared his goal of becoming the Hokage to everyone.
To Sasuke, it didn't matter if the village acknowledged him or not; he planned to become a Kage nonetheless. His version of Hokage was to become a villain for the entire world to fight against, thus uniting them by fear. Thankfully, Sasuke lost his final battle against Naruto Uzumaki, and decided to follow his way of attaining peace instead.1 Madara Uchiha Was Never A Favorite Of The People
Madara was responsible for the creation of Konohagakure, along with Hashirama Senju. In fact, he was the one to come up with the name "Konohagakure." Just like Hashirama Senju, he wanted people to live a life of peace and harmony.
Hashirama wanted him to become the First Hokage; however, Tobirama decided to intervene made sure that never happened. Knowing that Hashirama was a favorite among the villagers, Tobirama counted on the people choosing his brother, which is exactly what happened. Madara, failing to become the Hokage, left the village and returned later with his fury and the Nine-Tails at his back.