Solo Leveling’s National Rank Hunters: Who Are the Most Powerful?

Introduction

In Solo Leveling, the National Rank Hunters are the absolute elite among hunters, recognized as the strongest in their respective countries and treated as strategic weapons. These hunters are so powerful that they can face S-rank threats alone and influence the global balance of power. At Monarch Files, where shadows reveal the truth, we’ll explore who the five National Rank Hunters are, their abilities, personalities, and their impact on Sung Jin-Woo’s story. If you’re ready to meet the strongest humans in Solo Leveling, keep reading—and watch out for mild spoilers!

1. What Does It Mean to Be a National Rank Hunter?

In the Solo Leveling universe, hunters are classified into ranks from E to S based on their strength, speed, and mana control. Above S-rank, there’s a special category: the National Rank Hunters. These hunters are so exceptional that they’re considered national treasures, with enough power to rival entire armies. Only five hunters achieve this rank worldwide, and each is a symbol of strength and prestige in their country. They’re often called upon for high-risk missions, like S-rank gate raids, and their presence can change the course of a battle.

The National Rank Hunters are introduced in the Jeju Island arc (chapter 90), which has been adapted in Season 2 of the anime, and their interactions with Sung Jin-Woo become more frequent in later arcs, such as the International Hunters Conference (chapters 117 to 122). Let’s meet each of them and discover what makes them so special.

2. The Five National Rank Hunters: An Overview

Here’s an overview of the five National Rank Hunters, their abilities, personalities, and roles in the story:

• Thomas Andre (USA) – The “Golden Lion”
Thomas Andre is the National Rank Hunter from the United States and the strongest among the five. Known as the “Golden Lion” due to his blonde hair and overwhelming strength, he’s a physical tank with a special ability called “Physical Reinforcement” that boosts his strength and durability to superhuman levels. Thomas can shatter mountains with a single punch and survive attacks that would kill any other hunter. His personality is arrogant and impulsive, but he has a sense of honor and respects those who prove their strength, like Sung Jin-Woo. Thomas appears in the Jeju Island arc, where he tries to recruit Jin-Woo to his guild, and later, in the International Conference arc, he faces Jin-Woo in an epic fight, showcasing just how formidable he is.

• Liu Zhigang (China) – The “Eastern Dragon”
Liu Zhigang is the National Rank Hunter from China and the second strongest among the five. Known as the “Eastern Dragon” for his speed and versatility in combat, Liu wields dual short swords and can manipulate wind, allowing him to attack with cutting gusts and move faster than the human eye can track. His personality is calm and calculated, but he also has a playful side, often teasing his allies. Liu appears in the Jeju Island arc, where he helps in the raid against the ants, and later becomes one of the first to recognize Jin-Woo’s true power, developing mutual respect for him.

• Christopher Reed (USA) – The “Flame Master”
Christopher Reed is another National Rank Hunter from the United States, known for his fire manipulation abilities. He can create intense flames capable of incinerating entire S-rank gates, earning him the nickname “Flame Master.” Christopher is reserved and prefers working alone, making him somewhat distant from the other National Rank Hunters. Unfortunately, he meets a tragic fate in the manhwa, being killed by the Frost Monarch and the Beast Monarch during the Monarchs’ War arc (chapter 136). His death serves as a reminder of how dangerous the Monarchs are, even to the strongest hunters.

• Siddharth Bachchan (India) – The “Steel Tiger”
Siddharth Bachchan is the National Rank Hunter from India, known as the “Steel Tiger” for his ability to transform his body into indestructible metal. He’s a close-combat fighter with near-impenetrable defense and brute strength that rivals Thomas Andre’s. Siddharth is serious and focused, with a strong sense of duty to protect his country. He appears briefly during the International Hunters Conference, where he expresses curiosity about Jin-Woo’s power but doesn’t get much spotlight in the story.

• Jonas (Brazil) – The “Cerrado Wolf”
Jonas was the National Rank Hunter from Brazil, nicknamed the “Cerrado Wolf” for his agility and tracking skills. He was a stealth-focused hunter, using daggers and illusion magic to confuse his enemies. Jonas had a loyal and protective personality, always prioritizing his team’s safety. Tragically, Jonas was killed before the International Hunters Conference, and his death is revealed during the event (chapters 117 to 122). He was found dead, presumably by a Monarch’s hand, which shocked the other National Rank Hunters and highlighted the growing threat of the Monarchs. Despite his brief role, Jonas remains a fan favorite among Brazilian readers for representing their country in the Solo Leveling universe.

3. The Impact of National Rank Hunters on the Story

The National Rank Hunters play significant roles in several arcs of Solo Leveling:

• Jeju Island Arc: Thomas Andre and Liu Zhigang participate in the Jeju Island raid, helping defeat the mutant ants and recognizing Sung Jin-Woo’s potential for the first time.

• International Hunters Conference: During this arc, the surviving National Rank Hunters (Thomas Andre, Liu Zhigang, and Siddharth Bachchan) gather, and Jonas’ death is revealed, causing an emotional impact on the others. Their interactions with Jin-Woo show how he’s beginning to surpass even the strongest humans. The fight between Jin-Woo and Thomas Andre is one of the most iconic moments, demonstrating the power gap between Jin-Woo and the other National Rank Hunters.

• Monarchs’ War: The deaths of Christopher Reed and Jonas at the hands of the Monarchs highlight the threat they pose, even to National Rank Hunters, and motivate the others to support Jin-Woo in the final battle against Antares.

The National Rank Hunters also serve as a contrast to Sung Jin-Woo. Initially, they represent the pinnacle of human power, but as Jin-Woo grows, he surpasses them, showing how he transcends human limitations by becoming the Shadow Monarch.

4. Fun Facts About the National Rank Hunters

• Thomas Andre is the only National Rank Hunter to face Sung Jin-Woo in a direct fight, and the outcome makes it clear that Jin-Woo is on a completely different level.

• Liu Zhigang is often considered the “coolest” National Rank Hunter by fans, thanks to his laid-back personality and respect for Jin-Woo.

• Christopher Reed and Jonas were both killed by Monarchs, shocking fans and showing how dangerous the Monarchs’ War is.

• Siddharth Bachchan has less spotlight in the manhwa, but his unique ability makes him an intriguing character for fans who want to see more of him.

• The National Rank Hunters are so powerful that some fans speculate they might have Ruler or Monarch blood, though this is never confirmed in the manhwa.

Conclusion

The National Rank Hunters of Solo Leveling are the elite among hunters, representing the pinnacle of human power before Sung Jin-Woo redefines what it means to be strong. From Thomas Andre, the “Golden Lion,” to Jonas, the “Cerrado Wolf,” these hunters leave their mark on the story with their incredible abilities and striking personalities, even if some, like Jonas, meet tragic fates. Which National Rank Hunter is your favorite? Do you think any of them could have faced Jin-Woo at the height of his power? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep exploring the Monarch Files, where shadows reveal the truth!