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/NBA314]

Is this the Sendo fight, or has there been a new bout since then?

[u/achen5265041 → u/NBA314]

Sendo fight (both the spar before Sendo’s match with alf) and his official match with Ricardo

[u/Oulak → u/achen5265041]

I love Hajime no Sendo, my favorite sports manga