At a book store in Central City, the Tringham brothers are there looking at books, with Fletcher hoping to see the Elrics again. When the manager mentions that only State Alchemists can put their books on a tab and needing the money to afford a hotel room, Russell Tringham foolishly passes himself off as Edward Elric again, unaware of the Elrics' new fugitive status. After the military police arrive, Russell tries to explain he was joking, only for him and Fletcher to be put into custody. Back at the factory, Ed and Izumi learn that Wrath killed Lust, and refer that only four Homunculus and their master are left. The two see Shou Tucker as he plays with his Nina doll thinking it as alive. Seeing that there is nothing to be done, Ed transmutes a gun to further restore his arm and leaves Tucker to himself. Ed decides their next move is to go after Pride first since he is the only Homunculi that they can easily locate.

In Drachma, Armstrong learns that there were fewer soldiers who sided with them as expected, which is fine since Mustang's uprising is intended to be a diversion. It is revealed the Mustang and Riza Hawkeye with them are Jean Havoc and Kain Fuery in disguise, as the real ones took their place at the hospital in Central. After convincing a nurse not to report them, the two head out disguised in different clothes. Maj. General Hakuro is assigned to suppress the uprising and the Führer convinces him he only promoted Mustang to test his loyalty. Before leaving the office, King Bradley learns of some children arrested that were pretending to be the Elrics and he decides to have them executed. As the Tringham brothers ponder their predicament in their cell, Mustang gets the plans for the Führer's house and learns about the Elrics' supposed arrest. At Central Command Ed and Izumi begin their attack, with Izumi angry at Ed for not confirming if the Führer would actually be there since he left to attend his son's birthday party. Using a transmuted door and plant, the Tringham's use the transmuted plant to pull Ed and Izumi into the room they are in with Maria Ross and Denny Brosh's help. It turns out that Maria Ross and Denny Brosh saved Russell and Fletcher during Ed and Izumi's commotion due to the Führer's order to have them executed for claiming to be the Elric brothers.

Russel reveals that they came to Central with a page from their father's journal that reveals a secret location. They are then attacked by Frank Archer, where over half of his body has been outfitted with automail to replace the portion lost in Reole which turned him into a cyborg. Recognizing both Ed and Izumi, he prepares to attack, forcing Izumi to remain behind to fight him. Outside the building, Mustang and Hawkeye witness the battle and just before they leave knowing they aren't needed, Ed appears. While riding in their car, Ed learns of Mustang's plan and points out even if Mustang succeeds in assassinating the Führer, it would end his dream of becoming the Führer himself. Mustang admits it is to avenge Maes Hughes and that he and Ed are very similar, as they are both willing to give up their dreams. Ed states that due to the mystery person and the Homunculus wars have been started to create the Philosopher's Stone, and now he must defeat this person and destroy the stone so no one will remember it. Ed is willing to do this even if he and Al must remain in their current bodies which is more important than his dream. After getting out of the car, Mustang and Ed say goodbye for the final time and go their separate ways.