Hokage

The are the leaders of Konoha. They are generally the strongest in the village, although ideology and renown plays a large part in their being chosen for the position.

Five shinobi and one kunoichi have gained this title so far. When the position for Hokage becomes open, whether because of the previous Hokage's death or incapacitation, the Konoha Council promptly begins to search for a replacement,in some cases within hours or days after a Hokage has been deemed dead or unfit; this can be seen in the case of Tsunade after she slipped into a coma.

After being appointed, they are given the Hokage mansion in which to live and have their faces carved out in the stone wall behind it. Though she was pointed out during the first part of the series, the Fifth Hokage's face was not carved out before the beginning of Part II.

According to Kakashi, once a shinobi has been appointed by the Konoha Council it is up to the Jonin of the village to determine whether the position will become official.