There’s another side to the Jeju Island Arc inSolo LevelingSeason 2that most viewers don’t know about and that makes the anime more tragic.The Jeju Island Arc welcomed several Japanese S-Rank Hunters, and although they play a rather antagonistic and small role in the arc, theirbackstories bring new context toSolo Leveling’s story, framing the Jeju Island Arc as more emotional than fans initially thought.
Among the Japanese S-Rank Hunters, their leader, Ryuji Goto, stands out the most thanks to his match against Sung Jinwoo, while the rest did not have outstanding participation. However, the backstories of several Japanese S-Rank Hunters released in special chapters add a fresh new layer of tragedy to the Jeju Island Arc, making their role more painful than ever before.
Solo Leveling’s Japanese S-Rank Hunters are More Tragic Than Fans Think
Solo Leveling Season 2 Didn’t Show Much Of the Japanese S-Ranks Hunters
DuringSolo Leveling Season 2’s broadcast, many viewers felt that the Japanese S-Rank Hunters were a pointless addition to the Jeju Island arc, as several of them died quickly just to add a dramatic cliffhanger, and their role was limited to highlighting the betrayal of the Japanese Hunter Association’s Chairman to Korea due to his own ambition.
However,the backstories of three Japanese S-Rank Hunters, Ryuji Goto, the healer Akari Shimizu, and Tawata Kanae, were revealed in the special side stories published by Netmarble as part of theHunter: Origin seriesfrom the gameSolo Leveling: ARISE. These special webtoons give more context to several characters whose backgrounds were explored in the main story due to the fast-paced nature ofSolo Leveling.
A Japanese S-Rank Healer Shares a Similar Misfortune as Jinwoo
Another View Into the Eternal Slumber Illness
As shared byNetmarble, Akari Shimizu, the S-Rank Healer unexpectedly killed by the Ant King on Jeju Island in Episode 22, wasn’t as greedy as was suggested in the anime.Akari needed money to pay for the hospital bills of her younger sister, Himari, who suffers from the Eternal Slumber illness just like Jinwoo’s mother.
Furthermore, Akari had promised her sister that she would spend her next birthday with her before she began to develop the advanced stages of the disease. However, Akari’s death at the hands ofthe Ant Kingnot only means that she will never see her sister again, but there won’t be anyone who continues paying for her treatment.
The Eternal Slumber illness carries very high medical expenses, as shown at the beginning ofSolo Leveling,how much Jinwoo struggled to earn money and pay her mother’s debt as an E-Rank Hunter. Yet, what’s also sadder is that Himari may have caught the disease by being exposed to the great mana levels of Akari, who is an S-rank healer.
Ryuji Goto Wasn’t Always a Villain
Ryuji Goto Was a Broken Hero to Tawata Kanae
Ryuji Goto’s backstory inHunter: Originshows he was originally a veryrighteous hunter who was deeply worried and cared for his country butwas manipulated by the chairman of the Japanese Hunter Associationto do whatever it took tobecome a National Level Hunter, as, according to him, the position would bring more influence and benefit Japan.
I neither have a position befitting my power nor a title to prove it. - Solo Leveling: ARISE Hunter Origin: Ryuji Goto’s Story
While the aim of becoming a National Level Hunter is a plotline exclusive toSolo Leveling’s manhwa, this adds more depth to Ryuji Goto’s character. Goto developed a kind of inferiority complex and lost his initial morality and integrity. He was blinded by his own power, becoming overconfident in his abilities and believing himself to be on the same level asthe National Level Hunters like Liu Zhigangand Thomas Andre.
Likewise,Hunter: Origin Tawata Kanae’s storyis linked to Goto, revealing that she decided to become a hunter and fight for her country because she admired him. Tawata was saved by Goto and was inspired by his genuine drive to save others instead of looking for fame or glory. Because of this, Tawata dreamed of fighting alongside Goto but was disappointed in Jeju Island after seeing the person he had become.
Solo Leveling’s Story Has Always Been About How The Gate Has Affected The World
The Jeju Island Arc Has a Great Political Background
Although it’s clear that Ryuji Goto was incapable of becoming a National Level Hunter, this ambition was only born as a result of becoming a scapegoat for Matsumoto Shigeo’s political machinations. This is one of several instances whereSolo Leveling’s story explores the abuse of power in society.
This was also seen in the first season of the anime in the Dungeon and Lizards Arc and Dungeon and Prisoners Arc, where it showcases how people act motivated for selfish reasons, which also aligns with real-world situations. DespiteSolo Leveling’s story not giving much exposure to secondary characters to put the spotlight on Jinwoo, the side stories give another perspective on the world of the series.
These backstories make viewers aware of howSolo Levelingconstantly highlights the tragedy behind the appearance of the gates and how many lives are lost during dungeon breaks and as consequences of them, like the Eternal Slumber illness. In this way,Solo Levelingcontinues to deliver a message about power and how it impacts people, which adds to why it has become such a hit series worldwide.
