Board Thread:Versus Debates/@comment-34656247-20180830063430/@comment-5085906-20180831084920

We've achieved a new level of Minato vs. Itachi versus debates.

I think the question of who would fare better against Gaara and Shukaku hinges on several things. First off, is the exhaustion and chakra usage carried over into the second battle? And do Gaara and Shukaku have any knowledge on Minato/Itachi's abilities?

If Gaara and Shukaku have no knowledge, then I think Itachi fares much better regardless of whether the exhaustion and chakra usage is indeed carried into the second battle. That's because he can easily use a standard genjutsu on Gaara which worked perfectly well against Orochimaru and then feel free to go all out against Shukaku (Amaterasu/Totsuka Blade). But normally current Gaara should know not to look in Itachi's eyes, and I'm afraid that he is equipped to 'cause him some trouble, as his sand can keep him at bay. And before anyone says it, no; I doubt Ephemeral will work on Gaara - it worked on early Part II Naruto, but it'll never work on adult Gaara. And I don't think Gaara will win the fight, however Itachi may have difficulty facing Shukaku later on because of his below average chakra provided he is not careful with managing his reserves during the Gaara fight. Also, is the Third Eye genjutsu-able? Logic dictates it should be since it's connected to Gaara's optic nerves, but I am not sure of it.

As for Minato, we saw a similar scenario when he fought against Obito and sealed Kurama into Naruto. Minato's natural speed along with his FTG trickery will help him bypass Gaara's Ultimate Shield. He'll take down Gaara and then use Bunta to nail down Shukaku and seal him inside himself or teleport him somewhere else.

But yeah, all in all I'm also gonna give this particular match-up to Itachi as he has a much suitable skillset against long-rangers like Gaara.