Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-2245550-20160501144337/@comment-734582-20160502083847

Hashirama became Hokage because the village wanted it. Even though Hashirama felt Madara should take the position.

Judging from Hiruzen's memory, they were already prepping Hiruzen from an early age but the decision was delayed due to the First War.

Around the first war Tobirama became Second Hokage due to popularity.

Hiruzen's appointment isn't clear. It's possible that an agreement existed for the Shimura and Sarutobi clans (as they joined the village first) or that Hiruzen distinguished himself in the war.

The Sannin were repeatedly considered for Hokage (distinguished themselves during the Second War).

Minato was feared as the yellow flash and routed armies with his presence, so definitely distinguished himself.

Kakashi distinguished himself fighting the Akatsuki and Pain but probably the most against Obito and during the Fourth War.

What should be clear by now is that Itachi lacked something that distinguished himself as Hokage. Something that would make the village like him, consider him worthy.

And therein lies the aforementioned problem of timing: In perhaps a decade Itachi could've racked up enough reputation to be considered for Hokage. But shorty after the Ninetails attack with suspicion of the Uchiha, the Uchiha's general position weakened, he couldn't become Hokage.

Hiruzen was asked to appoint a successor early in Part I because nobody of sufficient distinction existed. Well someone existed (Jiraiya) but he refused, and Tsunade was nowhere and Orochimaru wasn't considered fit for the position (probably blocked by the Jonin council) and a rogue at this point.

If the Uchiha massacre had been delayed it could've been possible. Shisui was renowned, but mostly for his skills not his deeds.