Originally posted by: DrunkPotHead
Am I missing something? Can some1 please provide the episode number and the exact time in the ANBU&AONE translation where it was said that Orochimaru is the strongest of the 3 Sannins?
i don't think it ever said he was the strongest, but i think it was said he was the most talented out of the three... which was the reason why the 3rd was gonna choose for him yondaime but didn't cuz of orochimaru's ideaologies.

EDIT: response to below:

their attitudes and personality are similar but i don't see any similarities in terms of jutsus and talent. all of the three sanins were talented, jiraiya just happened to be a goofy, yet talented, clown.