I think your misinterpretting the co.text of that statement. I believe is what he was saying is I am a true sage and oro never managed this. Making me better he does say that he surpassed him, meaning he perfected sage mode. If naruto can do it why cant kabuto. Im no kabuto fan boy. I actually hate kabuto, he annoys me. But I mean he is a very elite shinobi and I feel credit is given when credit is due. So imo I still feel naruto sm vs kabuto sm, naruto would win. But naruto vs kabuto and all the meka of stuff he has going on. Naruto would get owned. And im a naruto fan boy. To an extent. But I mean kabuto still sucks >.>