Honestly to me it always felt like the older ninja were far stronger than the new. I mean hell madara was essentially the strongest enemy throughout the series with 0 training for the entirety of Naruto's existence. Until a literal god showed up and plot-armor abounded. Wasn't the entire ninja war finale people from the 4th's generation and before who were literally asswhipping everyone until golden boy naruto showed up? And good god at anytime harashima showed up.
Spoiler: show