Fans of Fate/Stay Night have long yearned for a definitive sequel to the original visual novel. While there isn’t a clear-cut continuation, there have been glimpses of what a great sequel could entail. Fate/Stay Night revolves around the concept of ideals and the diverging paths that a young man, Shirou Emiya, chooses to pursue in his quest to become a hero. The beauty of the Nasuverse lies in its inclination towards alternate universes and timelines, making it possible to explore Shirou’s life after the events of the visual novel.
The epilogue of the Unlimited Blade Works route already provides a compelling glimpse into what a full Fate/Stay Night sequel could look like. In this epilogue, Shirou and Rin embark on a journey to study at the Clock Tower of London, honing their magecraft skills. This sets the stage for a fascinating narrative that delves into their experiences and challenges beyond the Grail War. So why hasn’t such a sequel been realized, and has Shirou appeared in any other works within the Fate series?
To answer the latter question, it’s important to disregard stories that exist in separate realities where the events of Fate/Stay Night never occurred or were significantly altered, such as Fate/Kaleid. Focusing solely on the stories that remain, Shirou’s appearances are relatively limited. He often appears in cameos, such as in the recent novel series, The Adventures of Lord El Melloi II. These cameos imply that Shirou went to London with Rin, studying and working part-time as a butler for Luviagelita Edelfelt, much to Rin’s chagrin. However, these glimpses into Shirou’s life are constrained within another character’s story, providing limited insight into his perspective. But the potential for a college-centered narrative focusing on Shirou and Rin is immense.
In fact, episode 25 of Unlimited Blade Works stands out as a unique departure from the rest of the series, almost feeling like a backdoor pilot for a new show. If not for the subsequent Heaven’s Feel films, this episode might have paved the way for a full-fledged sequel. The episode introduced original content that wasn’t present in the visual novel, showcasing creative liberties that resulted in a captivating storyline.
As an ending to the series, episode 25 effectively tied up loose ends while introducing a plethora of new elements. The tone was light-hearted and fun, and the magical MMA duel between Rin and Luvia added unexpected humor and excitement. Additionally, the reunion between Shirou and Lord El Melloi II (the grown-up Waver Velvet from Fate/Zero) created a deeply satisfying and symbolic connection between survivors of two Grail Wars. This episode’s unique blend of storytelling elements serves as a tantalizing taste of what a full series centered around Rin and Shirou’s studies could offer.
Imagine a series that explores Rin and Shirou’s educational journey, as they learn under the tutelage of esteemed professors like Lord El Melloi. Along the way, they could cross paths with diverse characters from different corners of the Nasuverse, enriching the narrative with their unique perspectives and stories. If executed similar to the epilogue, such a series would resemble Lord El Melloi II’s Case Files—an adventure-filled saga with comedic charm, intricate world-building, and occasional character-driven drama.
A sequel of this nature would provide an opportunity to witness Shirou’s continued growth and his path toward realizing his ideals, with Rin’s unwavering support ensuring he doesn’t repeat the mistakes of Archer. On paper, the concept sounds fantastic, and the glimpses we have seen thus far are nothing short of impressive. However, there are reasons why it’s likely an idea better conceived than executed.
The lack of a clear canon is one such reason. While Fate/Stay Night is considered the main entry in the Fate series, it’s still a visual novel that’s been adapted into several different mediums with varying degrees of canon status. The epilogue of Unlimited Blade Works, for example, is considered canon by some but not others. The lack of a clear consensus on what is or isn’t canon could lead to confusion or dissatisfaction among fans.
Another issue is the possibility of diluting the brand. The Fate series already has a vast array of content, including spin-offs, prequels, and sequels. A new series that focuses on Rin and Shirou could add to the already overflowing pool of content and potentially dilute the brand’s appeal. It’s also possible that the series could fall short of fan expectations, leading to disappointment and frustration.
Finally, there’s the issue of the creative team’s availability. A new series would require a dedicated team of writers, animators, and directors who are passionate about the source material. However, given the busy schedules of those involved, it’s possible that a new series may never come to fruition.
In conclusion, a Fate/Stay Night sequel focused on Rin and Shirou’s college years would be a dream come true for many fans. The potential for exploring their growth and development beyond the Grail War is immense, and the glimpses we have seen so far are tantalizing. However, there are significant obstacles that could prevent such a sequel from becoming a reality. Nevertheless, fans can still hope that one day, they’ll get to witness Rin and Shirou’s journey unfold on screen.
We bring out some of the most well-known Fate/Stay Night collection, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the Fate/Stay Night collection
Zouken Matou,Waver Velvet,Lancer,Gilgamesh,Yukika Saegusa