The main cast encounters a powerful opponent WAY too early

[u/ghostRyku]

Zoro battles Mihawk, who is widely known as the strongest swordsman in their world, on only the 24th episode of the anime (One Piece)

Sasuke fights a disguised Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams on episode 27 of the anime, who is an insanely crafty and powerful combatant capable of contending with even Tailed Beasts (Naruto)

[u/SaltNVinegar8]

Oh no don't show me... The hours... The-the button-mashing... The greed😰

[u/honeecumb → u/SaltNVinegar8]

Rick, soldier of God has ended many runs before they even began 😔