024. hagane no renkinjutsushi
024. fullmetal alchemist
Military officer: My apologies, there are no cars in a country-side village like this.
Roy: No, it's okay, this ride is pretty interesting.
Military officer: So. Why are you looking for the Elrics, Lieutenant Colonel Mustang?
Roy: I heard that the Elric brothers in Resembool are seeking to become alchemists. I'm here to recruit them.
Military officer: Ah! As a national alchemist! That's impressive! But why would a Lieutenant Colonel all the way from the eastern district come all the way here?
Roy: It's my job to look for and recruit talented alchemists. The truth is that we are under-employed due to the mess that's been going around.
Military officer: A ranked officer in the military coming to meet them in person... Boy, would the Elric kids be surprised.
Roy: ... Kids?
Military officer: Yup.
Roy: Resembool village, Edward Elric, 31 years old...
Military officer: No, he's 11. His brother is a year younger.
Roy: What is the meaning of this, Second Lieutenant Hawkeye?
Hawkeye: According to logic, this is a case of incorrect information.
Military officer: Ho, ho, ho. It won't do you any harm just meeting them.
Roy: Sorry for the intrusion, Mrs. Rockbell.
Pinako: What does a military man want, barging in here like that?
Hawkeye: My apologies, we heard that the Elrics should be here so...
Roy: We went to your house. What the hell is that mess? What the hell did you make?!
Alphonse: Sorry. Please forgive him. Sorry. Sorry.
Roy: Research funding... Access to secret documents... The country's research data and technology will be at your disposal... You will get these priviledges, if you become a National Alchemist. However, in return, you are to follow military orders. And then, you'll be able to access information that average people cannot get. You may be able to find something that would help you return to normal...
Alphonse: But I thought alchemy is for the public.
Roy: That is correct. Thus we are called the military's dogs.
Pinako: Are you sure that these kids are skilled enough for national qualification?
Roy: The alchemy circle found in the Elric home, and the subject of human transmutation. And... the ability to transmute a soul, there is no doubt.
Pinako: Lieutenant Colonel Mustang. After this boy came in all bloody, I went to their house to see what had happened. That... I buried it in the back of the house. That... That wasn't human at all!! A method of creating such monstrosity? Is that what alchemy is?! You! You want to take these kids along that path again?!
Roy: Mrs. Rockbell. I'm not trying to force them to do anything. But I'm only stating the posibility! To live your life with hopelessness and a piece of armor for a brother! Or to sell yourself to the military for the possibility that you can recover! It is your choice.
Hawkeye: Are those kids going to come?
Roy: They will.
Hawkeye: You sound confident. That Ed kid looked like he would never recover.
Roy: Oh, really? Those eyes... they are eyes lit with determination.
Edward: Yo, Lieutenant Colonel.
Roy: I was promoted to colonel while you were being so slow. Are you ready for this?
Edward: Bow wow! You want me to wag my tail?
Roy: Good. Then I'll take you to Central!
Roy: That was interesting to watch.
Edward: I'll charge you a viewing fee if you don't shut up.
Roy: Hahaha, I thought it was a prank, you're lucky that you're alive after you pointed a blade at the Fuhrer. When you are approved, you'll become part of the military. But your title would be taken away if you show any unloyalty to the Fuhrer. Just be careful about that.
Edward: Doesn't that apply to you too? When I pointed the spear at the Fuhrer, you didn't react at all, you just sat there. It doesn't seem like you are a very loyal subordinate.
Roy: Unbelievable.
Hawkeye: Colonel... you should at least take a pose in such circumstances.
Roy: Too bad. If you killed the Fuhrer at that moment, a higher rank would have been made available.
Edward: Hey hey hey!! But I heard something good~ Should I tell on you to the higher ranked people?
Roy: You consider that a threat? You should be the one who feels threatened.
Edward: Huh?
Roy: "Don't transmute people", "don't transmute gold" and "swear loyalty to the army". These are the three major rules that a national alchemist must follow. Although you were not successful, you would still get into tons of trouble if they find out about the human transmutation you performed. Your brother would probably be taken to the lab as an interesting alchemy product. Do you understand? You're getting your title, while hiding your past and pretending nothing happened. I'm getting attention by finding skilled alchemists such as you. If I don't tell people about your past, then nothing will happen. So don't cause trouble.
Edward: Youuu!!
Roy: Hahaha, there is still a week until the result is announced. Go back to East City and relax while waiting.
025. shitei no kejime
025. settling things between master and apprentice
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: There has been an order for a transfer. You will be working in Central starting next week.
Roy: Yes.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: It'll be lonely here. You've been quite interesting.
Roy: No no, not as much as the stories of when you were young.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Hohoho, when I was a young officer, it was so... aah!
Roy: Gotcha there, General.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Umm... Thanks to your hard work, you made my job easier.
Roy: I, too, was able to learn quite a lot from the work you gave me here. I really appreciate it, General.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: I heard that Brigadier General Hakuro will be replacing you. I don't like him, he's too stern.
Roy: I wish you luck. Checkmate.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Aaaaah... I finally lost!
Roy: I finally beat you.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Mustang's record of 1 win, 97 loss and 15 draws. This one is special.
Roy: I'll gladly take that win.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Talking about special, would you take my grand daughter as your wife? She'll become the future fuhrer's wife.
Roy: Don't think too much ahead, General. Well... talking about special, I have some subordinates that I want to take with to Central.
Lieut. Gen. Grumman: Yep, it's okay. Take them.
Roy: You have my thanks.
Roy: So! Sergeant Kain Fuery. Warrant Officer Vato Falman. Second Lieutenant Heymans Breda. Second Lieutenant Jean Havoc. First Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye. You five will all come with me to Central. I will hear no complains. Come with me!
Havoc: ... ah. Wait, Colonel, I can't. There's a problem.
Roy: What?
Havoc: I just got a girlfriend recently!
Roy: Leave her. Get a new one in Central. It's a good thing that you guys just started going out, so it's not much of a loss, since the relationship isn't that serious yet. Hahaha.
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