Ed realises how vulnerable he is and makes up his mind to be the army's "dog" i.e. lackey in order to build up his strength for the sake of achieving his aim. Before Winry returns to their hometown, Ed and Al bring her around shopping but Winry can sense that Ed has something on his mind. Nevertheless, she does not probe further and buys some mechanical oil for him, saying that he should do some maintenance for his metal limbs since she's not by his side.When Winry prepares to leave Centora for home, she asks Ed and Al to come back if they can. However, Ed says that since they had burned their house to show their determination to achieve their aim, they do not have a hometown anymore. Winry is sad to hear this but still waves them goodbye with a smile.
Mustang gives Ed his first mission as a national alchemist to investigate the situation at the eastern mining town of Uswell. Ed tells Al that he doesn't have to come with him since this is his job but Al reminds Ed that they are brothers and should be together. At the same time, Mustang's superior hints that he may be promoted soon but this is a demotion in effect since he would be stationed in the eastern region which is full of problems.
Ed and Al notice something strange with Uswell as the mining workers seem to be quite lethargic and there is a lack of activity which is usually associated with mining towns. The brothers are brought to a hotel run by Halling, one of the mining workers but he demands that they pay a big sum of money to stay for the night. As such, Ed decides to make use of alchemy to restore things for the workers and stay in the hotel. However, when the workers hear that he is from the millitary, they throw him out because they are very against the army. Since Al has not mentioned his relationship with Ed, the workers treat him kindly and even give him food to eat.
Al brings the food secretly to Ed and is upset about the treatment towards Ed. He says that he wants to be a national alchemist with Ed but the latter says that he doesn't have to endure such treatment with him.
At the same time, Yoki, the local in-charge from the army comes to Halling's place and demands that they pay up the taxes. However, the workers refuse to do so since Halling reduces their salaries and increases the taxes at the same time. Yoki gets angry and commands his maid, Lyra to teach them a lesson where Ed comes to the rescue. Ed announces his identity as a national alchemist which makes Yoki suck up to him immediately.
Ed finds out about Yoki's treatment towards the workers and the latter even has the cheek to bribe Ed. He pretends to accept Yoki's money. In the meantime, Lyra goes to destroy Halling's hotel under Yoki's orders which makes Ed come to a decision.
Ed uses the money Yoki gave him to turn coal into gold bars. He tricks Yoki into selling the rights to manage the mines and gives the deed to Halling. When Yoki realises that he has been cheated, Lyra tries to fight against Ed which she loses badly. After this incident, Ed builds up his fame as the national alchemist who thinks for the people.
It is 3 years later when Ed is 15 and Al is 14 as they head towards their goal of finding Kenja no Ishi...
This episode is much brighter than the past few which were very serious and emotional. Ed is a very observant guy who knows what is going on and turns the situation around easily. It's very funny to see him tricking Yoki and jumping on people who tease him about his height. I think the next episode continues from they left Rioru in Ep 2 which means that they are continuing their quest for Kenja no Ishi. More action is coming up as they prepare to face new enemies...
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