Uhh correct me if im wrong, but when orochimaru said itachi was stronger than him, could that not have been because orochi's arms were sealed and he was implying that without his arms itachi was now stronger. i think its more probable than not that this was orochis intended meaning, because if it was then it would make it so the three legendary sannins are the strongest characters, which would back the fact that itachi didnt wanna fight jiriaya.
just an appiphany of mine, itachi fanboys (this means mutt@@ u prolli wont agree with me but dun start an argument lol, hotsuma dont be flaming me for not using the "appropriate thread" lol im saying sorri in advance, and to any1 else lets be nice y'all)