Was Naruto Sasukes actual equal before this..

[Darth AniCetuS]

Well after the pain arc zetsu told Sasuke that Naruto is stronger than him now.

 

[Nardo]

All it did was shred a path. Nothing, noteworthy, to be honest. No, it isn't some kind of compulsory fact for it to be dangerous. S simply means Secret. The techs that fall under S also have the highest learning curve; explained by both the databook and the manga.

Okay now I'm done with you :|

 

[shelke]

Okay now I'm done with you :|

In that fight? Absolutely.