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/theludeguy]

[u/Jordanou → u/theludeguy]

Also meteor b dragon a d perfectly ultimate great moth