Naruto's Encounter with Sasuke is a Direct Parallel to Sasuke's Encounter with Itachi

I personally hate how weak Naruto is post time skip. It feels like a wasted opportunity for him to shine. I understand he needed to learn the basics, but it's always rubbed me the wrong way.

However, while rewatching the show, I realize his first encounter with Sasuke in Part II directly parallels Sasuke's run-in with Itachi in Part I. Both were absolutely crushed to confront the wide power gap after training. Just another example of how each character face similar circumstances but cement their paths in how they choose to respond to them.

Probably obvious to most, but figured I'd post anyway.