Let's do a breakdown, people!
NARUTO:
Setup: Konoha has been obliterated by a devastating assault by the Six Paths of Pain, and even their strongest could now withstand their assault. Enter Naruto. Actual fighting wise, Naruto delivered the deathblow to all six paths of Pain. He had assistance from Fukasaku, Shima, Gamabunta, Gamahiro, Gamaken, Katsuyu, Hinata, and Kurama. In the end though, he finished them off. He was almost killed once by the Deva Path, but Kurama provided a way to break free of the chakra rods. Significance of the enemy? Pain is considered to be one of the most powerful shinobi of the current generation, and is seen as a very real threat to the fragile peace that is trying to be upheld. Significance of the battle? Naruto saved Konoha and became recognized as a hero by the villagers, as well as a very powerful shinobi in the eyes of the Shinobi world as a whole. Overall rating - I give it a 8.8/10 fight.
SASUKE:
Setup: The kage are holding a Kage Summit to determine the actions needed to combat the Akatsuki at large (following the supposed capture of the 8-tails jinchuuriki Killer Bee). Sasuke and crew arrive with the main intent of killing Danzo and killing any in their way. Actual fighting wise, Sasuke killed Danzo and fought 4 kage, their wingmen, and multiple samurai. He had assistance from Karin, Jugo, Suigetsu, and Tobi. He was almost killed on multiple occasions, and he saved himself with his Susanoo and Blaze Release (save it for Ohnoki's Dust Release where Tobi saved him with Kamui). Significance of the enemy? The five kage are trying to come to an agreement about a terrorism group, and they are each the strongest of their village (obviously because they are the Kage). Significance of the battle? Danzo's death amounts to virtually nothing, Obito reveals himself to officially declare war on the Shinobi world, and Sasuke is labeled as an international criminal.
Do I seem to be favoring Naruto's fight? Yes. Am I trying to? No. In my opinion, it would've been more interesting to see Naruto fight the Kage, and Sasuke fight Pain. When it comes to the opponents, Sasuke had a harder time. Why? His opponents are the 5 kage - 5 shinobi that are the leaders of their villages, and they each hold astounding power. And to be honest, it felt like Sasuke was being tossed around between the Kage like a hacky-sack. When it comes to execution, Naruto takes the cake. He is able to come up with strategies that helped give him the edge despite the visual link between the Six Paths. So really, they're both about equal. Overall though, Naruto's fight with Pain sent a bigger shockwave. Sasuke wasn't the one who started the Fourth Shinobi World War - that was Obito. Thanks for reading!
