Because narratively they’re in different power spheres, just as Sasuke is now in a different power sphere than not only Sakura, but Naruto, Sai, Yamato, and Orochimaru.

O rly. I'm curious as to how you conclude this. I mean yes, he beat Orochimaru, but Orochimaru was crippled and bedridden at the time, so I'm not sure that counts. And please don't say that it's because he beat Deidara, because that's begging the question.