Afterword

A story set in the modern day... but a very strange modern day. Elite soldier Sagara Sousuke, a member of the world’s most high-tech mercenary team, is given a new mission: infiltrate a Japanese high school and protect a girl. But Sergeant Sagara, having spent all his life on the battlefield, doesn’t know how to get along in peaceful Japan. On top of that, he’s dealing with a teenage girl! Shenanigans ensue, and the girl ends up hating him... That’s the story of Full Metal Panic!

What genre would this story fall into? Hmm, that’s a tough one. It’s a bit of a hodgepodge; a mulligan stew. It’s not quite a high school love comedy. Pegging it as a robot story seems a bit off, and it’s not serious enough to be a military thriller. If I had to choose, I’d say it’s an action-adventure. Just turn your brain off and enjoy it like you would an action B-movie.

By the way, as of August ’98 we have a series of short stories about FMP running in Dragon Magazine. They’re set after this book, and consist of simpler comedic school stories. It’s more about Sousuke being in full clueless mode, and Kaname’s struggles to deal with him. Apparently they’re doing well in the DM reader surveys, so I recommend them highly if you’re reading this right now.

On the other hand, those who know the setting from the short stories might be surprised by the more hardcore developments in the long-form piece. If you’re thinking “Wow, Sousuke’s not just some fool, he’s really amazing!” then I’ve done my job.

By the way, notes on a few things...

One: No ill will was intended toward a certain country portrayed in this story. It’s just, there are only so many dictatorships set within a domestic jet’s flight range. Please don’t abduct me, members of that country. At the same time, readers, if I go missing or I’m found dead, or someone sets fire to Fujimi Shobo, you can assume they’re the ones behind it.

Two: For dramatic purposes, I intentionally fictionalized elements of real-world weapons, machines, organizations, and terrain. Just think of it as the real-world weapons being altered using the fundamental technologies used in ASes. Please don’t take the specs and such too seriously.

Three: For dramatic purposes, I intentionally fictionalized elements of real teenage girls’ psychology and personal lives. Just think of it as the teenage girls being altered using the fundamental technologies of love comedies. Please don’t take it too seriously.

Now, I have a lot of awful things planned for Sousuke & Co in the future. And I’m sure they’ll make it out by the skin of their teeth each time. They’re tough and stubborn, after all. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the adventures of Sousuke and Kaname.

I think I’ll cut my rambling comments short here, and offer up some words of appreciation.

To the editor of Dragon Magazine, Takumi Suganuma, who offered funky words of advice and soulful assistance in crafting this story. To the writer Kazuma Shinjo who offered groovy advice and powerful suggestions. To the manga artist Tomoyuki Sano, who offered cool images and dope ideas. To Kato, Koyama, Watanabe, and Ensign Y.A., who offered valuable materials. And to my co-conspirators at the Chuo University Science Fiction Society who inspired me to choose this line of work.

I also like to offer my absolute gratitude to Takahara Masaki. I didn’t think you’d **** to this degree. Thank you so much. Some day I’ll ****.

Also, to Shikidouji for taking time out of a busy schedule to put so much effort into beautiful illustrations. To Kumiko Sato, who gave my work such a wonderful, thorough edit. And to the little girl Kathy. If you hadn’t spilled cocoa milk on my rough draft, things might have turned out differently (just kidding).

Well, goodbye. I hope you’ll join us next time for more of Sousuke’s personal hell.

Shouji Gatou, August 1998

Addendum: This year, for the first time in a while, Hourai Gakuen World is reviving as a net game. In the case of this net game, you can easily join via post even if you don’t have a computer. If you’re curious, write to postal code 168-0072

3-13-20 M1, Takaido-Higashi Suginami Ward, Tokyo

Elsewhere “I saw Gatou’s advertisement.”

Send an envelope with your name and address to that location with an 80 yen stamp.

You will receive more detailed documents in two days.

Also, this address has nothing to do with Fujimi Shobo editorial, so please send other requests to Elsewhere.

*Notice The announcement on the right was during the first and second printings. Post-third printing, the Hourai Gakuen net game submissions are no longer being conducted. But Elsewhere itself is still active, so if you’re curious, please send requests to the same address.