I think that's intentional on the show's part, remember the Naruto universe is in an era of unprecedented peace and ninja jobs are getting lesser and lesser. Characters are weak because you don't really need to be a ninja to make a living or a difference. Denki being a prime example to that. Although he is a ninja now, his main goal before was something else.
Threats still exist but Sasuke and the Kage have made a concentrated effort to eradicate anything major. I'm really interested in how this show tackles Naruto and Sasuke's characters, they are basically as strong as Gods.