In Naruto Part 1, around episode 85 when Itachi and Kisame went looking for Naruto, Itachi stated to Kisame that the both of them together couldn't take on Jiraiya so they both ran from him. This was Kishi's way of showcasing Jiraiya because it Jiraiya was still a new character at the time. I'm sure Kisame w/Samehada could take on Jiraiya so the fact that Itachi said that is ridiculous. Kishi has failed big time for having Itachi say that.