He thought it was funny that none of the Hokages had come from one of the famous families of Konoha. Even the renowned Hyuuga clan didn't have a representative among the carved faces towering over the village. He had noticed this once, when he was still a genin, when he happened to be gazing up at the monument. Just like he's doing now. As the rays of the dying sun throw their last vestiges of light upon the cliff side, he once again reflects upon what he realized long ago.

He never dwelt upon the fact much until later, but when he did he realized that an individual with a bloodline could never become the leader of the village. The geniuses of the clans would eventually become the patriarchs and matriarchs of their families, with the duty to ensure the preservation of their line and the protection of their secrets. They were duty-bound to their relatives and loved ones, and though their love and loyalty to Konoha knew no bounds, they could never take on the burdens of the whole village.

So it was left to those who lived outside this world of blood inheritance to take up the name Hokage. Their determination and hard work gave them the strength and ability needed to surpass even the leaders of the clans. But it took more than power and skill to have your face carved upon the mountainside. He smiled, and turned to gaze at the scene below him. To become Hokage, you also needed the desire to love and protect all that dwelt in the shadow of those that had come before. For a Hokage, the whole of Konoha was his clan. A luxury that those from a bloodline would never be able to have.

As the day slowly turned to night, the sixth Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto, watched over his family.