Sasuke is just being Sasuke, it's actually a little weird seeing him somewhat acknowledge that Naruto can do something without calling him a looser as well. I agree with whole tension building aspect though. Its chapters like this that puts me on the edge of wondering if him and Naruto will have one last fight before the series is over. Whatever it's over if they do fight again it will probably end in them settling any remainding differences, because it's obvious that the two don't see eye to eye 100% yet.