Here's how i see it: In part 2 of naruto, even the fodders are pretty much maxed out in all of the basic shinobi skills. They all are perfect at throwing shuriken, fighting hand to hand, and other ninja abilities. The only thing that makes you special is a kekkei genkai or some other special ability. In part one however, people like kakashi and itachi were legends because of their skill in the ninja arts. Yes itachi had a sharingan, but it wasn't what determined a fight. Kakashi was known as the sharingan warrior but his sharingan didn't grant him any one-shot techniques. They were known for honing their skills to an absolute point. That being said, itachi is about as good at taijutsu as they come when it comes to skill, however, in part 2, that won't carry him far. Because he doesn't have anything to boost his speed or strength: sage mode, biju chakra, curse mark, lightning armor, gates, or byakugou, he is practically fodder in taijutsu in part 2. Someone please tell me if you agree