[Discussion] "Everyone wants to become Hokage."

[DarkWolf Nashoba]

As we saw early on in the recent chapter, Hinata stated while speaking to Kiba that "Everyone wants to become Hokage."
In the previous chapter we noticed Hashirama note that it was touching that there was going to be so many fine candidates for Hokage, but we need to stay focused on the Juubi for the time being (paraphrased dialogue, of course).

Anyway, since we readers of the manga don't have a Juubi in RL to worry about, we're free to discuss this Hokage title topic in greater detail.

I believe that the premise behind "everyone" wanting to be Hokage is the fact that they've all inherited the undying "Will of fire" just as Shikamaru inherited it from Asuma -- I'm of course referencing their conversation as Asuma died after their confrontation with Akatsuki members.

So does everyone literally want to become Hokage? I don't really think so. What's truly being said is hidden within the connotation of the dialogue rather than within the denotation.

Everyone merely wants to support and protect the village in the same manner a Hokage would because of their strongly inherited "will of fire."
That's all this statement really amounts to.

 

[November]

They want to be hokage because hokage gets more salary than other shinobis.

 

[Yonkou Pandaman]

We might not have Jubi in RL, but we have something ten times more evil...

my cat

 

[Regulus]

Well the phrase "Everyone wants to be Hokage" is obviously a hyperbole. Hokage's are respected and powerful, who wouldn't want to be one. I also think its more of a statement talking about how Sasuke, Naruto, and Kiba said they were going to be Hokage.

Furthermore Kiba saying he wants to be Hokage got on my nerves. He is throwing a tantrum because he was ignored by Sasuke after he complained about him wanting to be Hokage. And again he got nowhere.

 

[DarkWolf Nashoba]

Well the phrase "Everyone wants to be Hokage" is obviously a hyperbole. Hokage's are respected and powerful, who wouldn't want to be one. I also think its more of a statement talking about how Sasuke, Naruto, and Kiba said they were going to be Hokage.

Furthermore Kiba saying he wants to be Hokage got on my nerves. He is throwing a tantrum because he was ignored by Sasuke after he complained about him wanting to be Hokage. And again he got nowhere.

Not a bad interpretation. It could indeed be nothing more than an exaggeration. Although, mere exaggerations aren't something that Kishi likes to utilize often. I insist that he's trying to make a point, though it may merely be vaguely presented as a side-note that he'll make greater reference to in the distant future.

Concerning Kiba's behavior provoked by a feeling of insignificance (as is his custom), I think Shino adequately summed it up: "It's pathetic. Stop it."

 

[DorianDiaconu]

The phrase was used because of the reaction the fans had last week when Sasuke said he wants to be Hokage. Probably they thought people will calm down a bit.

 

[thegame]

Of course it is. Only a few has what it takes to become hokage, in fact I would say, the only one who has it is Naruto. Naruto has the feelings and knowledge it takes to become hokage. The most important, being an understanding of hatred. This is essential as a hokage, cause else you will just end up wrapping the village in stupid wars, etc.. The rest lacks this, besides they need what it takes to be a leader, only Naruto has proven to sub-develop this ability lately, mainly with the help of Kurama of course.

 

[DarkWolf Nashoba]

The phrase was used because of the reaction the fans had last week when Sasuke said he wants to be Hokage. Probably they thought people will calm down a bit.

So you liken this quote to being a literary device designed to influence the mood of the story, even when the author's overall tone has not changed?

 

[Mr Hiru]

As we saw early on in the recent chapter, Hinata stated while speaking to Kiba that "Everyone wants to become Hokage."
In the previous chapter we noticed Hashirama note that it was touching that there was going to be so many fine candidates for Hokage, but we need to stay focused on the Juubi for the time being (paraphrased dialogue, of course).

Anyway, since we readers of the manga don't have a Juubi in RL to worry about, we're free to discuss this Hokage title topic in greater detail.

I believe that the premise behind "everyone" wanting to be Hokage is the fact that they've all inherited the undying "Will of fire" just as Shikamaru inherited it from Asuma -- I'm of course referencing their conversation as Asuma died after their confrontation with Akatsuki members.

So does everyone literally want to become Hokage? I don't really think so. What's truly being said is hidden within the connotation of the dialogue rather than within the denotation.

Everyone merely wants to support and protect the village in the same manner a Hokage would because of their strongly inherited "will of fire."
That's all this statement really amounts to.

It seems like Sasuke doesn't fully get it yet, because he doesn't care what others thought about him, so it's like the other villagers are not like his family. Maybe Naruto should do some TnJ to him and teach what Itachi said before, something like "You don't become hokage to be aknowledged, but when you're aknowledged you can be hokage". I don't remember the precise words, but I think you got what I'm trying to say... xD

 

[Regulus]

Not a bad interpretation. It could indeed be nothing more than an exaggeration. Although, mere exaggerations aren't something that Kishi likes to utilize often. I insist that he's trying to make a point, though it may merely be vaguely presented as a side-note that he'll make greater reference to in the distant future.

Concerning Kiba's behavior provoked by a feeling of insignificance (as is his custom), I think Shino adequately summed it up: "It's pathetic. Stop it."

That's true. There is probably deeper meaning that will be discussed after the war.

I am glad the Shino put Kiba in his place. Someone had to.

 

[DarkWolf Nashoba]

It seems like Sasuke doesn't fully get it yet, because he doesn't care what others thought about him, so it's like the other villagers are not like his family. Maybe Naruto should do some TnJ to him and teach what Itachi said before, something like "You don't become hokage to be aknowledged, but when you're aknowledged you can be hokage". I don't remember the precise words, but I think you got what I'm trying to say... xD

I agree. There's still some more character growth that needs to transpire with Sasuke's character.
If none of the members of Team 7 (including Kakashi) acquire the title of Hokage next due to deaths or something, who do you think would be a suitable alternative?

 

[DorianDiaconu]

So you liken this quote to being a literary device designed to influence the mood of the story, even when the author's overall tone has not changed?

After everyone was complaining on the forums about Kakashi over-using his MS, the next episode Kakashi said something like `when my friends need help, I don't feel any chakra wasted`, so yeah, it might be a possibility.

 

[DarkWolf Nashoba]

After everyone was complaining on the forums about Kakashi over-using his MS, the next episode Kakashi said something like `when my friends need help, I don't feel any chakra wasted`, so yeah, it might be a possibility.

Hmm. True enough. I'm not sure how "in-the-know" Kishimoto is with his audience, but it's plausible that he actually gives a ****.