Kakashi could still be in the running. He has a lot of experience, is well - respected, and has mentored many of the younger ninjas. His skills are top - notch, and he has a balanced view of the world, which could make him a good Hokage candidate even in a scenario where Naruto is not made Hokage.
Sasuke could be an alternative. He has strong ninja skills and a deep understanding of the ninja world. His experiences have made him grow into a very capable person, and his Sharingan gives him an edge in combat and strategic planning.
Even Naruto himself could be a subject of this 'evil Hokage' concept in fanfiction. Maybe he is possessed by some dark entity or has a major change of heart due to some extreme event. This would completely change his character and turn him into an evil Hokage, which would be a very interesting and unexpected twist.
Shikamaru is another possibility. He is known for his strategic mind. As Hokage, he could use his intelligence to make wise decisions for the village. He may not have the brute strength of Naruto or Sasuke, but his ability to plan and analyze situations would be invaluable in leading Konoha.
Sasuke could also be a possibility for the 6th Hokage in the fanfic. He has grown stronger over the years and his unique perspective on the ninja world could bring new ideas to the leadership of the Hidden Leaf. He might start off as a controversial choice but prove himself through his actions in protecting the village and making tough decisions.
Naruto himself could be a likely candidate. Given his strength, leadership skills, and his dream of uniting the ninja world, he would make a great 6th Hokage.
One reason could be that there are political forces against him. Maybe some of the elders in the village don't trust his unorthodox ways and fear he'll bring too much change. Another could be that there are other candidates who seem more suitable on the surface, perhaps someone with a more traditional shinobi background who doesn't have Naruto's wild streak.
It could be the First Hokage, Hashirama. Naruto would be amazed by his powerful Wood - Style jutsu and his ability to create the village. He could learn about the original ideals behind the Hidden Leaf from Hashirama.
Sakura is often a common side character. She could be helping Naruto in medical aspects, as she is a skilled medical ninja. Her relationship with Naruto might also be explored further, perhaps as a close friend and advisor.
One possible storyline could be that Naruto decides to focus on traveling the world instead of becoming Hokage. He could use his skills to help people on a more individual basis across different villages. He might learn new jutsu from various shinobi cultures and become a sort of wandering hero.
His friends like Sakura and Shikamaru would surely support him. Sakura, with her medical skills, could be an important part of his regime, providing healthcare for the ninjas. Shikamaru, being intelligent, could offer strategic advice. Also, the younger generation of ninjas who have been inspired by Naruto would be his strong supporters, as they believe in his leadership and the new direction he could take the village in.
Sasuke could also be a candidate in some fanfics. He has his own set of powerful abilities and a complex personality. A story could be written where he decides to take on the role of Hokage at a young age to bring about change in the village in his own way, perhaps using his Sharingan and new techniques he develops.