Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems include a master node receiving, from a new node, a request indicating the new node is joining a cluster of nodes. The master node transmits, to the new node, an identifier of a delegate node within the cluster. The master node receives, from the delegate node, a request to maintain a synchronization point while the delegate node creates and transmits a snapshot of cluster metadata. The master node receives, from the new node, an indication that the new node is ready to join the cluster. Upon determining that the cluster has synchronized metadata following the synchronization point of the delegate node and prior to the ready indication, the master node transmits an acknowledgment to the new node to cause the new node to transition to an active state within the cluster.