he didnt say he was as strong, he said he hadnt been this close to losing since Kimimaro, doesnt say much though because Kimimaro was one of the '5' sound nins with spidey and could have been taking it easy


Gaia seal means Kimimaro has an earth seal, which rivals the Heaven seal that Sasuke has - there may be a 'hell' seal or something later on that we'll encounter (heaven, earth, hell) but probably not for a long time

as for Kimimaro vs Naruto you cant honestly think that Naruto will come out of this completely winning? Sasuke has to get to Orochimaru, and now that hes given a few years that will happen

they'll beat the sound nins and Kimimaro will show up, make short work of everyone but leave them alive then speed off with Sasuke, then probably try to kill Sasuke but Sasuke will kill him