I would be a S-rank criminal. I will be joining a S-rank organization like Akatsuki. Then I will hunt down my hunters! And I will torcher them like rats! I will rule everything with my group!
As true as that is think about it. Being an S-ranked Criminal means that your are at least on the top ten most wanted Shinobi from your home village if not any others and all of your movements would be crippled by the fear of anyone finding you and apprehending you. Being a Kage would probably be the better choice.