Board Thread:Versus Debates/@comment-5085906-20180725155538/@comment-34194151-20180729151235

Kisame was afraid it the Sannin title but he hasn't actually fought Sannin. Itachi in some translations goes on to say they he and Kisame couldn't take jiriaiya even without backup, which is rediculous. Itachi was just wanking jiriaiya to finnese Kisame and avoid having to seriously catch Naruto, he didn't want to take out jiriaiya if he didn't have to, a fight wouldn't end quickly and they are in the middle of the village. It's just like how Itachi told Kisame not to fight Kakashi because he knew Kisame would kill him so he made excuses for Kisame not to fight him.