@Tyki_Mikk change the poll to only Itachi vs Jiraiya. Thanks.
Yeah, and with Jiraiya it is a believable excuse, but it doesn't indicate that Jiraiya is above Itachi, when everything shows that Itachi is the stronger one.
No they weren't, which is why originally Itachi wanted them to leave but after Kakashi poked his nose where he shouldn't have, to preserve his cover he acted, and then he left once Guy arrived. Itachi would sacrifice Konoha shinobi but would choose not to have to if the situation does not demand it. And he would choose to postpone the capture of the main character and the jinchuriki of the most powerful tailed beast as long as possible, which is why he left Naruto, claiming that even with the rest of the Akatskui there'd be no difference, which we both agree is baloney.
No, he's talking in general terms, otherwise he'd have claimed that they(Itachi and Kisame) specifically pale in comparison to him, which would be illogical when he thinks Itachi alone can take him.
Yes we do, because there's a stark difference between 'Orochimaru tried killing me, I defended, and he decided to leave' and 'Orochimaru attacked me, I eye diffed him'.
It's not relevant because Orochimaru is talking in general terms. He never denotes that Itachi is only now stronger than him. He saw a younger Itachi wipe the floor with him when he was at full power, he's not an idiot lmao.
I honestly don't see the point in continuing this after you have agreed that Itachi's words can't be taken for fact, as he was clearly lying. 'Interesting' convo, but I am out. Agree to disagree I guess.