I have a question: These chapters were published during the Vietnam War. At that time, were there forces in society in Japan that were essentially promoting a new war? With these war chapters, I feel like Nagai, aside from hating the people who criticized and wanted to censor him, also wanted to make a clear political statement. Those who couldn't cope with the defeat in World War II now want to send a new generation to war who have nothing to do with it. Nagai himself was born just a few days after the end of the war. The scene in the last chapter where the teacher sends the first graders to their deaths also had these vibes. They are supposed to be "good kids", which can also be seen as a representation of patrionism and willingness to sacrifice for the country. And only when he himself dies on the battlefield does he realize how wrong that is. And apparently the same people who wants this are the one who get upset about perverted scenes in a manga.
These chapters were really shocking. I'm now noticing that Ikidomari and Ayu don't appear on any of the later volume covers. Then unfortunately they won't be saved by a miracle after all, nor will Macaroni and Yamagishi's parents.
I'm surprised at how many good jokes Nagai still includes despite the depressive tone. How the teachers just wanted to end the manga in the last chapter. And of course how he completely gives a shit about copyright.
Thank you for translating this legendary manga.