The excitement from Solo Leveling hit a new height with the S rank battles the end from he previous episode and leave us seeing how s ranks match up.
Jin vs. Top S-Rank from Japan – Goto Ryuji
Excitement reaches a peak as we finally get to see Jinwoo face off against a top-tier S-Rank hunter once again. Since his battle with the Demon King in the cursed dungeon, we haven’t seen him truly go all out. This time, though, his opponent is none other than Goto Ryuji, Japan’s most powerful S-Rank hunter. While fans were hoping for a serious, all-out fight, Jinwoo appears to be holding back significantly—so much so that he doesn’t even land a single hit in the initial exchanges.
During the fight, Goto manages to land a clean strike on Jinwoo, leaving a small cut on his cheek. However, in an instant, the wound completely disappears, leaving no trace of injury. This moment alone speaks volumes about Jinwoo’s power. Even though he hasn’t unleashed his full strength, the fact that he allows Goto to strike him without concern showcases the immense gap between them. More importantly, Jinwoo’s ability to drop his shadows into the ranks of Japan’s top hunters signifies that he is already beyond them in skill and strength.
What’s even more intriguing is how this battle subtly sets the stage for even greater threats. We know that Japan and the United States boast some of the strongest hunters in the world, and while Goto Ryuji is considered elite, this confrontation hints at even stronger opponents lurking beyond him. While this fight doesn’t push Jinwoo to his limits, it does foreshadow battles to come—ones where he may not be able to hold back so easily.
Jinwoo Saves Cha from an Attack
One of the most telling moments in this episode comes when Jinwoo intervenes to protect Cha Hae-In from an incoming attack. While this could easily be brushed off as an instinctive move, it does raise questions about his attachment to her. Throughout the series, Jinwoo has been relatively indifferent to most people outside his family, yet here, he acts without hesitation to shield Cha from harm.
This has led many fans to speculate about the possibility of a deeper relationship between them. While the story hasn’t explicitly confirmed any romantic developments, moments like this suggest that their bond may continue to grow in future episodes. Could this be a setup for a potential “date episode” in Season 3? It’s too soon to tell, but with the way their interactions are being handled, it wouldn’t be surprising if the series eventually explores this dynamic further.
Jinwoo Opts Out of Fighting the Leveling Monsters
A major moment in the episode is Jinwoo’s decision to step away from the fight against the leveling monsters. At first glance, it might seem like he’s being cautious, but the reasoning behind his choice appears to be more personal. The fact that his mother is home seems to weigh on him heavily, and rather than diving headfirst into battle, he takes a moment to ensure her safety.
That being said, there’s also the underlying truth that if Jinwoo were to get involved too soon, the battle would likely be over in an instant. The show has established that his power has reached a level where most threats no longer pose a challenge. If he had joined the other 16 S-Rank hunters immediately, the stakes of the battle would have been diminished. By having him hold back, the series is able to build tension and give other characters a moment to shine—before inevitably bringing him into the action when things take a turn for the worse.
All Hunters on Standby
Another intriguing development is the way both old and new hunters are being positioned on standby. This suggests that should the raid fail, Jinwoo won’t be the only one who can take action.
We’ve seen that many hunters respect him, but there’s also an element of unpredictability in how they will react when the situation escalates. Will they look to Jinwoo as a leader? Or will they hesitate, unsure of whether they should rely on him? The answer to this question could shape the events of the next few episodes. If the battle against the enemy takes a disastrous turn, we may see some of these standby hunters stepping up in unexpected ways—or crumbling under pressure. Either way, Jinwoo’s role in the upcoming fight is undeniable.
Battle Begins Against the Enemy
As the battle gets underway, things initially seem to be going well. The hunters advance, pushing forward toward their objectives. With such a strong lineup of S-Rank hunters working together, confidence is high. However, just as everything appears to be under control, disaster strikes.
At the very end of the episode, an S-Rank hunter is devoured—without any of the nearby S-Ranks even noticing. This shocking moment serves as a grim reminder that the enemy they’re facing isn’t one to be taken lightly. If an S-Rank can be eliminated so effortlessly, it raises the stakes dramatically.
This also signals that Jinwoo will inevitably need to step in. Up until now, he’s been playing the observer, waiting for the right moment to act. But with hunters beginning to fall, his intervention is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. The next episode is poised to bring Jinwoo back into the spotlight, and when he finally takes action, it’s bound to be one of the most intense moments of the season.
Final Thoughts and Speculation
Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 22 does an excellent job of setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation. The fight between Jinwoo and Goto Ryuji may have been brief, but it effectively demonstrated the gap between them while teasing even stronger adversaries in the future. Meanwhile, Jinwoo’s interactions with Cha Hae-In hint at a deeper connection, and his decision to stay out of the early battle suggests a mix of personal concerns and narrative buildup.
With the raid now underway and the hunters already suffering losses, Episode 23 is shaping up to be a turning point in the season. How will Jinwoo respond? Will his shadow army be enough to turn the tide? And most importantly, what other dangers are lurking in the darkness? With so many questions left unanswered, fans are in for an exhilarating ride as the season nears its climax.
