Originally posted by: avmoghe
I thought the Hokage was defined to be the strongest ninja in the village. I'm almost sure that thats a direct quote from the opening chapters of the manga.
I've never doubted that the third hokage in his prime was stronger than Orochimaru. He says it himeslf saying something like ten years ago you could have killed me. Your own post has other indications as well supporting this.
What I AM doubting is whether the 4th hokage, Jiraiya, Tsunade etc are stronger than Orochimaru.
I've yet to see any strong evidence that either of those people are stronger than Orochimaru. I mean, Orochimaru is a 'once in decades genius' with craploads of potential... I doubt either of the others can match up to him.
And then again we have the fact that Orochimaru was the third's first choice for the next hokage.
So, until I see some indications that the 4th was any better.. I'll stick to believing that Orochimaru is the strongest, excepting the 3rd in his prime (and Itachi if Orochimaru's statement is to be believed).
I will agree with you however that the evidence is far from concrete.