29 : Struggle Of The Fool File

is dismantled and reassigned to keep him from acting. Ling Yao is forcibly converted into the homunculus Greed. Thematic Meaning

: Mustang confronts Bradley about the death of Maes Hughes. Bradley admits he didn't kill Hughes but refuses to reveal the killer's identity, citing their agreement to only one question.

: The protagonists suffer significant personal and strategic blows: Lan Fan loses her arm. 29 : Struggle of the Fool

In this episode, the "Fools" (Edward, Alphonse, Roy Mustang, and Ling Yao) realize the true scale of the conspiracy within the Amestrian military and are effectively cornered.

: Fuhrer King Bradley thwarts Edward's attempt to resign by threatening to kill Winry Rockbell, leaving the Elric brothers in a desperate position. is dismantled and reassigned to keep him from acting

The title "Struggle of the Fool" draws on the archetype from Tarot (Card 0), representing the beginning of a journey or a leap of faith.

: The "struggle" refers to characters finding ways to move forward despite being "collared" by their enemies. Bradley admits he didn't kill Hughes but refuses

While Fullmetal Alchemist is the primary match, the term "Struggle of the Fool" can occasionally appear in other media or philosophical discussions: