I rectify: the state is a group of gangsters. Not a good group, because you cannot choose to be in it or not, and, as you say, it is organized in a hierarchy of force. The NAP and the natural moral law doesn't go against groups, only against groups that use coercion and violence. Under this, you can participate of any group that you like and you are accepted, which is very contrary to what states do: impose and destroy your choice, enslaving you.