1. Uchiha Sasuke: Sasuke has become the shadow supporting Konoha, protecting the village's peace as he travels the world to gather information. If Naruto, the 7th Hokage, were to suddenly die, Sasuke would be the most suitable candidate for the 8th Hokage position in terms of strength and reputation.
2. Nara Shikamaru: Shikamaru, Naruto's right-hand man and current advisor, possesses exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking.
3. Sarutobi Konohamaru: Konohamaru, who idolizes Naruto and dreams of becoming Hokage, is currently an adept ninja. With his Rasengan technique and pact with the toads of Mount Myoboku, he could potentially become the 8th Hokage with further growth and acquisition of sage mode.
4. Uchiha Sarada: Although Sarada is still developing her skills to reach Kage-level, if Naruto were to step down 10-20 years later, she might have the potential to become an 8th Hokage candidate with the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, fulfilling her dream of becoming Hokage.
5. Uzumaki Boruto: While Boruto currently prioritizes becoming a powerful ninja like Sasuke rather than pursuing the Hokage title, he could still potentially become the 8th Hokage in the Boruto series as he embarks on his own journey as a ninja hero like his father, Naruto.