Board Thread:Versus Debates/@comment-31377172-20200228010635/@comment-2245550-20200306170925

We'd already seen the battle, and it proves the result, but I'll bring it up in a moment. First, let's take a short analysis.

Kisame's advantages are Chakra and raw power. I'd say he's physically stronger, and his skill with the Water Style shows just how much raw power he has. The Susanoo would be very hard pressed against it, especially if we were to assume Kisame could absorb it, since it's comprised of Chakra. Also, prolonging the battle will result in Itachi's doom, considering not only his low vitality, but also his lesser Chakra reserves.

However, there's no contest when it comes to skill and wits. Itachi's a natural born genius, even better than Kakashi, whom Pain himself admitted was going to be a threat. He can run circles around Kisame with his strategies, and he'll obviously know better than to let the battle drag on, on top of his preference for ending all violence quickly from his pacifistic tendencies.

The real kicker, my point at the start, is how Itachi will - and has - end(ed) the fight.

Genjutsu, with or without Tsukuyomi.

There's nothing saving Kisame if he ever gets caught in one of Itachi's Genjutsus. The fight proves it. He was caught in it from the start. All Itachi needs is one chance.

And he will make that chance.

Case closed.