The training on the island for the Elric brothers was more a check on their resolve. It is easy to state such goals, but it is another thing entirely to stick with them. Although maybe the biggest thing is to understand that alchemy is a part of nature. It is not good to go against it. Of course it took them failing to bring back their mother to bring that lesson into reality for them.
We actually see what happened when they failed to bring back their mother. Ed saw what Izumi described as the truth. One thing that is clear is that human transmutation is possible; the problem is they didn’t arrive at the right formula. Though learning that cost Ed dearly. He was barely able to get back Al’s soul. It’s clear the reason why they stopped desiring to bring back their mother is because Ed almost was left alone, and there is nothing worth risking his brother again.
Interesting to see we have Roy, who is the one who visits Ed and can mention the door of being a state alchemist is open. After all, a kid who did what he did at home is a special kind of talent. More than likely, Roy saw himself in Ed, where he experienced failure, but there was a fire in his eye. Interestingly enough, there also seems to be a parallel between Winry & Riza because it is clear that Riza chose to support Roy in his path. As it is clear in the present, Winry desires to support the 2 brothers.
What is actually most interesting is that Ed points out that Roy doesn’t have the same loyalty to King Bradley. Though it makes you wonder why. Is there something Roy knows about Bradley? At the very least, Ed & Roy have dirt on each other, which makes for a unique partnership.
The similarities between the Elric brothers and their teacher stem from them both making the same mistake. It is hard to say that Izumi feels responsible for the brothers, much like Sig felt for Izumi. Well, at least he gives the brothers a push to speak with Izumi on an equal level as alchemists. Though her mention of Al seeing the truth, he lost his memories. It could be possible that his memories were lost after the attempt to revive their mother. Though him being closer to the truth than either Ed or Izumi is interesting.
The volume ends where we see Roy is transferring to Central, so I’m curious how that affects things. Also, trouble is looming for the brothers.