The Zhao State’s generals (Zhao Army) appearing in Kingdom have fought countless life-or-death battles against the mightiest warriors of Qin and other states. Among them, the top-tier Zhao commanders have delivered performances that exceed even their officially quantified stats in strength or strategy, heightening the story’s tension. However, discussions about the strength of these Zhao generals are quite heated on internet forums and Q&A sites like Chiebukuro – and many fans feel that “official numbers alone can’t tell the whole story of their true strength” and that there’s “not enough interpretation taking the actual story portrayal into account.”
In this article, we shine a spotlight on the Zhao Army’s strength ranking and thoroughly examine each general’s abilities from both the official data and their depiction in the story. Our aim is to provide a careful explanation so that Zhao Army fans can create their own rankings or confidently take part in “who’s the strongest” debates. Let’s dive in!
Ranking Criteria: Martial Strength, Strategy, and Leadership
When talking about a Zhao general’s “strength,” there are many facets to consider beyond simple brawn. For this ranking, we comprehensively weighed the following criteria:
- Martial Strength: Raw combat ability and one-on-one dueling prowess. This includes evaluating the official guidebook’s strength ratings, how they fare in duels depicted in the story, and the destructive power of their weaponry. Generals with monstrous physical power like Houken or those hailed as having Moubu-class might stand out – overwhelming personal might is a major factor in their evaluation.
- Strategy & Tactics: A general’s strength also lies in the brain that controls the battlefield. No matter how high one’s valor, simply charging in blindly is not enough to lead great armies. Strategist-type generals like Riboku can weave plots to overturn dire situations. In this ranking, we also credit the use of clever stratagems that outwit the enemy and game-changing battle plans.
- Leadership & Charisma: The capacity to be a “general of the people” is another aspect of strength. This includes the ability to command large armies, boost troop morale, and earn the trust and respect of subordinates. For example, even in old age Renpa could still inspire his men with charisma, and Kisui’s cool-headed judgment can accurately read the battlefield. This overall “ability to lead an army to victory” is taken into account as well.
Based on the above points, we created the ranking as an overall evaluation that isn’t overly biased toward brute strength alone. That said, in Kingdom, one-on-one duels often leave a huge impression – so many of the top spots are occupied by generals with exceptional martial prowess. It will be interesting to see how highly the strategist-type or commander-type generals can place among them!
Top 10 Strongest Zhao Army Generals
From here, we will break down the Top 10 strongest Zhao generals one by one. From legendary great generals to enigmatic fierce warriors, a diverse lineup has assembled. For each ranking, we’ll reference famous scenes and official info from the story as we unravel the reasoning behind their placement. Is your favorite Zhao general among the top ranks? Let’s find out!
1. Shibashou – The Most Fearsome of Zhao’s New Three Great Heavens
Shibashou claims the #1 spot. As one of Zhao’s new Three Great Heavens (the trio of top generals in Zhao) and lord of Seika Castle, Shibashou demonstrated unfathomable strength in the story’s latest battles. He had long stayed out of the spotlight by feigning ill health, but once he finally took to the field, he performed the extraordinary feat of repelling an invading Yan army of 20,000 with only 5,000 troops. Furthermore, in the most recent chapters, he is completely overwhelming the Qin forces led by the renowned general Ousen, remaining undefeated so far. With a single swing of his weapon, Shibashou can cleave through enemy soldiers and their horses in one stroke. His terrifying strength and the steely courage – even the enemy general Ordo praised him as a “Sleeping Tiger” – firmly place his valor among the absolute top class in Zhao.
Yet Shibashou’s strength is not just about brute force. He also possesses leadership and strategic insight in which even Riboku (Li Mu) places complete trust. Viewed as a whole, Shibashou is a balanced powerhouse – martial might, intellect, and command ability all at the highest levels. Notably, in the recent Northern Zhao campaign, he personally led a sortie that encircled Ousen’s headquarters, forcing Ousen to decide on a retreat – a stunning accomplishment. Even Ousen’s First General Akou and Fourth General Sou’Ou were left flustered, and Zhao scored a major victory as a result. Truly befitting the moniker of “next-generation most fearsome,” Shibashou is likely to hold the key to the story’s latter half.
2. Houken – A Legendary “Martial God” Who Inspired Fear
Coming in at #2 is Houken, the “Martial God” revered by the Zhao Army. Houken became one of Zhao’s Three Great Heavens by recommendation of the late Great Heaven Rin Shoujo, and his overwhelming martial might was renowned across all of China. He was called “one who surpasses the limits of man,” and officially his strength stat was recorded as 100 – on par with Qin’s mighty general Moubu. His monstrous power in single combat truly befitted the title of “Martial God,” and many famed generals throughout history fell before Houken’s blade.
In the Battle of Shukai Plains, Houken suddenly appeared as Zhao’s trump card on the battlefield, striking terror into Shin, Kyou Kai, and the entire Hi Shin Unit. He slaughtered waves of soldiers one after another, and even allied Zhao troops looked upon him with awe, calling him “truly a Martial God.” Houken’s character is maxed out in martial power, with virtually zero aptitude for strategy or troop command – he cares only for pursuing “the Way of the martial”. He doesn’t involve himself in tactics or military strategy at all. However, his raw strength more than makes up for those deficiencies, and that sheer violence is the source of Houken’s dark allure. Every general who faced Houken trembled at his overwhelming killing intent and might. Only a very few in the story even managed to challenge him head-on.
One of those few – the one who ultimately defeated Houken in direct combat – was the protagonist, Shin. On the final day at Shukai Plains, Shin, though gravely injured and exhausted, engaged Houken in a do-or-die duel and finally brought down the “Martial God.” Wielding the glaive inherited from General Ouki, Shin pierced Houken and put an end to the legend. With this dramatic victory, Houken exited the stage of the story, but his presence remains second to none. By constantly questioning and embodying “what does it mean to be the strongest?”, Houken has etched himself into readers’ memories as a truly legendary general.
3. Riboku – The Genius Strategist’s All-Round Prowess
At #3 we have Riboku (Li Mu), the Zhao Great Heaven known as a master strategist. Riboku is a rare case of a strategy-focused general ranking this high in a list often dominated by brute fighters, but his overall ability is simply overwhelming. First and foremost, in terms of intellect and strategy, he’s peerless – hailed as possibly the greatest strategic genius in all of China (even Qin acknowledges this).
What makes Riboku especially fearsome is that he pairs that strategic brilliance with personal martial skill. Riboku himself has the combat ability to plunge into enemy lines and slay enemy commanders when needed. In fact, when the great Qin general Ouki was slain, it was an arrow loosed by Riboku that dealt the fatal blow. And in the aforementioned scene where General Makou was killed, Riboku once again personally charged into the fray and cut down Makou amidst the chaos. Not only does he devise the grand plans, but when push comes to shove he can change the tide with his own hands – this combination of wisdom and courage is precisely why Riboku deserves to stand among Zhao’s Three Great Heavens.
Riboku always has a cadre of talented subordinates at his side – the schemer Shun Sui Ju, fierce warriors like Bananji, Gyou’un, Chougaryuu, and others – effectively establishing the mighty “Riboku Army” as a force unto itself. In terms of organized military strength, Riboku’s forces are extremely potent, showing that “strength” is not just about individual might. By such comprehensive measures, Riboku is undoubtedly in the top tier. He’s a one-of-a-kind great general whose depths only seem to grow the more battles he fights. As long as Riboku stands, Qin’s dream of unifying China will not come easily – he carries a stature and skill that make readers truly feel that.
4. Gyou’un – A Fierce General Inheriting Rinshoujo’s Will
In 4th place is Gyou’un, one of Zhao’s most ferocious field generals. Gyou’un was one of the famed “Ten Heroes of the Rin Family” left behind by the late Great Heaven Rin Shoujo, and he is an instinct-driven warrior. Personally trained by an aging Rin Shoujo, Gyou’un developed into a fighter who combined tactical sense with keen battlefield instincts. He led an elite unit called the “Raikuu” (Thundercloud) Army, at the core of which were ten hand-picked warriors known as the “Ten Lances.” It was even revealed that, on his deathbed, Rin Shoujo told Gyou’un “you still have a role to play,” suggesting the extremely high potential and expectations placed upon him. Gyou’un’s martial might made a deep impression on readers during his clashes with the Hi Shin Unit and the Gyokuhou Unit (Ouhon’s army).
Facing both Ouhon and Shin, Gyou’un put up a tremendous fight and met his end honorably as a warrior. It’s said that his strength was on par with the caliber of Renpa’s Four Heavenly Kings (Renpa’s four famed lieutenants), and even the Qin side remarked that “defeating Gyou’un was miraculous.” Gyou’un lived up to his billing as the inheritor of Rin Shoujo’s martial legacy, proving himself one of the top-tier fierce generals in the Zhao military. He was a man of both brains and brawn, yet also possessed a headstrong, all-out fighting style reminiscent of the likes of Renpa or Ouki in their prime – one reason he remains a very popular character among fans.
5. Gakuhaku Kou – A Monster of Strength Who Cornered Shin
Ranked at #5 is Gakuhaku Kou, a monstrous general who appeared in the Shukai Plains arc. Gakuhaku Kou was one of General Kochou’s three direct lieutenants, depicted as a giant of a man with uncanny brute strength. He was characterized by an eerie perpetual grin, the raw power to swat away cavalry, and an unusual acrobatic fighting style. His sheer brawn was so great that officially he was said to rival the likes of Rankai (the “strongest of the inhuman” giant under Kanki) – meaning in one-on-one physical strength, he boasted extremely high stats.
Though his time in the story was short, Gakuhaku Kou left an intense impression as a character with “monster-level” strength, and he was feared by readers and characters alike. As Shin described during their fight, “It’s like my sword barely even works on him…” – a testament to his toughness. Every blow he struck was massively heavy; he truly felt like a monster on the battlefield. In the Kanki suppression campaign, Gakuhaku Kou essentially filled the role of the final boss for the Qin forces. Even looking at Zhao’s army as a whole, there’s no doubt he was one of the top-class power-type generals.
6. Kan Saro – The Fierce General Who Even Surpasses Ji Aga
At #6 we have Kan Saro, the First General of Seika’s army (Shibashou’s forces). Kan Saro is the foremost of Shibashou’s close vassals, reputed as the strongest warrior in the entire Seika Army apart from Shibashou himself. He and fellow Seika general Ji Aga are sworn brothers from their mercenary days, and their bond runs deep. The fact that Kan Saro is ranked above Ji Aga in Shibashou’s hierarchy already speaks to his exceptional strength. In fact, Seika’s Second General Gakushou even stated that “apart from Shibashou, Kan Saro is the strongest in Seika,” confirming his prowess.
In the story’s depiction, it’s said that “Kan Saro’s strength is truly in another dimension,” and he’s considered a furious fighter of a caliber that normally only Ousen’s First General Akou would be fit to face. Even when commanding forces equal in number, Kan Saro’s personal might allowed him to gradually push back Akou’s army. His combination of overwhelming brute strength and refined combat skill was on full display. If Ji Aga was described as having Moubu-class brawn, then Kan Saro is an existence beyond even that. Indeed, the very fact that Kan Saro was appointed Seika’s First General over his sworn brother implies as much.
All things considered, Kan Saro possesses one of the most outstanding martial talents in the Zhao military. Fighting in Shibashou’s elite army has given him ample battlefield experience, and with the support of a strategist like Gakushou, he’s able to fully unleash his power. Going forward, alongside Shibashou himself, Kan Saro is poised to become one of the greatest threats to the Qin armies – a fierce general to watch closely.
7. Ji Aga – A “Moubu-Class” Powerhouse of Sheer Brawn
The 7th place on our list goes to Ji Aga, the Third General of Seika’s army. Ji Aga is a brawny, not-so-bright bruiser type, but his raw power is so exceptional that he’s regarded as Seika’s mightiest strongman (according to strategist Gakushou). Wielding a gigantic war hammer, he demonstrates destructive power on par with Kan Saro in terms of pure force. Ji Aga and Kan Saro started out as lone mercenaries who eventually swore brotherhood, and both were drawn to serve under Shibashou. Their fighting styles share many similarities – together they form a duo of fearsome heavy-hitting generals.
Ji Aga’s most notable claim to fame is that he was explicitly described in-story as having “Moubu-class” strength. Upon seeing Ji Aga in battle, General Sou’Ou of Qin’s Ousen Army assessed his might as on par with Moubu (one of Qin’s strongest generals). Sou’Ou’s army was indeed struggling against Ji Aga’s assault, but Sou’Ou himself remained unpanicked – it was mentioned this was because he had on his side the giant warrior Shiryuu, who was also considered roughly Moubu-class in strength. In other words, even objectively, Ji Aga was viewed as a powerhouse with monstrous might rivaling the likes of Moubu or Houken.
In the end, Ji Aga was slain – decapitated by Shiryuu – but up until his final moments he had his opponent on the ropes with his overwhelming raw power. Ji Aga wasn’t much for strategy, but as the “strongest berserker of Seika” he contributed significantly to Zhao’s war efforts. In the aftermath of his death, his sworn brother Kan Saro painfully held back from killing Shiryuu in return, choosing to let her live – a moment that added a surprising touch of human drama. If not for the presence of Qin’s own elite fighters like Shiryuu or Sou’Ou, Ji Aga likely would have wreaked even greater havoc on the battlefield. True to the “Moubu-class” label, he proved to be a one-man wrecking crew. For Qin’s armies, a rampaging general like Ji Aga was a dire threat, and his deeds will surely be recounted in future tales of Zhao’s defense.
8. Jokaryu – The Self-Proclaimed Equal of Ji Aga
At #8 we have Jokaryu, the Fourth General of the Seika Army. Despite being fourth in Seika’s ranks, Jokaryu is a proud warrior who boasted “I’m the strongest in Seika” – claiming he was equal to (if not stronger than) Ji Aga. This competitive streak was shown when Gakushou referred to Ji Aga as Seika’s top strongman; Jokaryu bristled and vehemently disagreed, insisting that title belonged to him. In reality his official standing was below Ji Aga, but he believed – and some around him acknowledged – that he had comparable or even greater power.
However, in the actual battle against Qin, Jokaryu’s confidence was quickly shattered. He engaged the giant warrior Shiryuu and was swiftly cut down, abruptly ending his ambitions. The cocky Jokaryu had his nose put out of joint in that battle, but there’s no doubt his boldness and martial prowess were first-rate. Had he ever gotten a chance to return in the story, perhaps he could have shown a more matured strength, but narratively he met his end then and there. Compared to the other Seika powerhouses, Jokaryu tends to get overshadowed, but as the Fourth General of Seika he illustrates just how deep the Seika Army’s bench of strong fighters was – enough to earn him the #8 spot on this list.
9. Batei – A Mighty Warrior with Promising Potential
In 9th place is Batei, a general hailing from the city of Rigan. Batei served as the deputy to Zhao general Kisui and was known as the strongest warrior in Kisui’s army. He grew up as a foster brother to Kisui and Ryuudou (another officer) – all three were raised by the previous Lord of Rigan (Kisui’s father) – forging a deep, brother-like bond between them. Batei has a strong attachment to his hometown of Rigan, and he’s the type to let his blood boil when his comrades are in danger. Thanks to these passionate, humanizing moments and his loyalty, Batei is one of the more beloved Zhao generals among fans.
On the battlefield, Batei is a bold fighter who brandishes a hefty battle-axe one-handed with ease. With his immense strength, he served as the vanguard “attack specialist” of Kisui’s army, single-handedly spearheading the offensive push in battles.
Ultimately, during the Battle of Shukai Plains, Zhao was defeated and Batei retreated alongside Kisui. He did not appear in the subsequent Northern Zhao campaign, prompting fans on Q&A forums to ask, “What are Batei and Kisui up to now?” and “Why didn’t they show up in the fight against Kanki?” – clearly many are hoping for his return. Batei is a warrior whose future potential is highly anticipated. He already possesses formidable strength, and importantly, he’s still young and full of vigor. Having survived the tragedy at Rigan, he’s likely grown mentally tougher as well. Some speculate that if Kisui were to fall, Batei might rise to lead the Rigan soldiers in his stead. As Qin’s invasion of Zhao continues, we just might see Batei step up to once again carry the banner of the Zhao army. Given his repeated run-ins with the Hi Shin Unit, a rematch between Batei and either Shin or Kyou Kai would be incredibly exciting for the fans.
10. Kisui – A Calm Commander Who Can Turn the Tide of Battle
Rounding out the list at #10 is Kisui, lord of Rigan. Unlike others on this list, Kisui isn’t here purely for individual dueling strength – instead, he represents the strategist/command-type Zhao general at his finest. Kisui first appeared in the Kokuyou Hills campaign, where Zhao’s General Keisha handpicked him as deputy commander, recognizing Kisui as a talented leader with both brains and brawn. After Keisha’s death, Kisui (along with Kinmou) took charge of the remaining Zhao forces and essentially became the acting commander-in-chief. He eventually had to withdraw early to save his home Rigan, but the fact that he calmly unified and led the Zhao army after Keisha fell is a testament to his level-headed leadership. Some have even remarked that his military acumen is reminiscent of Renpa’s Four Heavenly Kings. He also enjoys deep trust and respect from both his subordinates and the people under his governance.
Kisui’s appeal as a commander lies in his well-balanced capabilities. He may not possess any one monstrous standout quality, but he’s competent enough in single combat and simultaneously has the broad vision and decisiveness to manage an entire battlefield. In the Kokuyou Hills battle, when Zhao’s central hill was on the verge of collapse, Kisui himself appeared on the front lines to rally his troops, spurring a counterattack that drove back Kokuou’s forces. This scene exemplified his dual prowess in morale-boosting and battlefield control.
In a pure one-on-one duel, Kisui might not match the top-tier brutes above him in this ranking. However, in terms of overall strength – leading an army and strategizing for victory – he has consistently been one of Zhao’s standout generals. He’s effectively the successor to the late “Keisha the Tactician.” If he shows up again in the coming Zhao defensive battles, he’ll likely serve as a crucial pillar supporting Riboku. Because this ranking inevitably favors raw martial might, we slot him at #10, but by all-around measures there’s no doubt that Kisui is among Zhao’s finest commanders.Conclusion: The Appeal of Kingdom Through the Zhao Army’s Strongest
Above, we’ve provided a comprehensive analysis of Kingdom’s Zhao Army strongest ranking. As you can see, the upper ranks are filled with ferocious generals boasting overwhelming power, while at the same time commander-type and strategist-type generals also hold their own and make their presence felt. It’s rare to see a nation with as diverse an array of formidable individuals as Zhao – truly, Zhao is the greatest nemesis for Qin in the story.
From Shibashou at #1 to Kisui at #10 – and even including legendary figures beyond this ranking like Renpa or Rin Shoujo – Zhao is home to generals with a wide variety of backgrounds and convictions. Their strength isn’t something that can be expressed by mere numbers; it’s intertwined with personal drama, and that is a huge part of Kingdom’s appeal. For example, the final showdown between Houken and Ouki, the intense duel of Shin vs Houken, or the last stands of Gyou’un and Chougaryuu – debates about “who is the strongest” are tightly woven into these pivotal story moments. Readers find themselves cheering at their favorite generals’ exploits, at times shedding tears at their deaths, all while excitedly wondering “Who will be the strongest next?”Examining a “strongest in the Zhao Army” ranking is, in itself, a way to appreciate the profound depth of Kingdom as a work. You can analyze the gaps between official data and the story’s portrayal, or factor in historical context to predict upcoming developments – there are many ways for fans to deepen their enjoyment. We hope this article helps you in crafting your own Zhao Army rankings or engaging in power-level debates with confidence. By following the exploits of Zhao’s generals, we witness a Warring States era that remains white-hot and engrossing, right up until the moment China is unified. Thank you very much for reading to the end!
