For fans eagerly searching for connections between beloved anime worlds, the idea of Zenitsu Agatsuma gracing the steampunk, alchemical setting of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is certainly an intriguing thought! However, let's set the record straight right from the start: Zenitsu Agatsuma, the electrifying demon slayer from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, does not appear in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. These two iconic series originate from distinct universes, each with its own incredible cast of characters, unique magic systems, and captivating narratives.
While the thought of Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing combining with alchemy might spark some fascinating fan theories, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood stands tall as a complete and critically acclaimed story in its own right. If you're here to understand the actual world of the Elric brothers, prepare for an epic tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the profound search for truth.
Setting the Record Straight: Zenitsu Agatsuma and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
The internet is a vast place, and sometimes, a popular character from one series can mistakenly get linked to another. Zenitsu Agatsuma, known for his incredible speed, cowardly demeanor, and powerful Thunder Breathing techniques, is exclusively a character from Koyoharu Gotouge's Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. His journey alongside Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Inosuke in their fight against demons is a separate saga entirely.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, on the other hand, is the faithful anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. It tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who tragically attempted human transmutation to revive their deceased mother. This forbidden act cost Edward an arm and a leg, and Alphonse his entire body, binding his soul to a suit of armor. Their quest to restore their bodies by seeking the legendary Philosopher's Stone forms the heart of this intricate narrative.
Understanding the Two Worlds of Fullmetal Alchemist: 2003 vs. Brotherhood
It's important for new and returning fans to know that there are two distinct anime adaptations of Fullmetal Alchemist. The first series, released in 2003, began airing while the manga was still in production. Because of this, it eventually diverged into an original storyline with a different antagonist, unique character developments for the Homunculi, and a vastly different conclusion. For instance, in the 2003 anime, the Homunculus Sloth was created from the Elric brothers' failed attempt to revive their mother, and the main villain was Dante, who created Envy from her failed attempt to resurrect her son. The story even saw Ed sent to our world, with a follow-up film, Conqueror of Shamballa, set in 1920s Germany.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which premiered in 2009, is the definitive adaptation of the manga, following Arakawa's original story beats, character arcs, and thematic conclusions precisely as she intended. This is the version that introduces Father as the primary antagonist, details the true origins of the Homunculi as extensions of him, and delivers the powerful, heartwarming, and often heartbreaking narrative that has captivated millions worldwide. Our focus here will be entirely on the rich, original story presented in Brotherhood.
Brotherhood's Core Conflict: Father, Homunculi, and the Search for Truth
At the heart of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood lies a deeply philosophical and action-packed conflict driven by the enigmatic figure known only as Father. Originating from the ancient kingdom of Xerxes, Father is a Homunculus who orchestrated the destruction of an entire civilization to achieve god-like power. His ultimate goal is to absorb "God" from the planet's Gate and achieve ultimate freedom from the laws of the universe.
Father created his own Homunculi – Pride, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Envy, and Sloth – each embodying one of the seven deadly sins. Unlike their 2003 counterparts, these Homunculi are direct extensions of Father's being, carrying out his sinister plan to turn the entire nation of Amestris into a giant transmutation circle. The Elric brothers, driven by their desperate search for a way to restore their bodies, inadvertently become entangled in this grand conspiracy, discovering the dark secrets behind Amestris's history and the true nature of alchemy itself.
The Elric Brothers' Epic Journey: Alchemy, Sacrifice, and Redemption
Edward and Alphonse Elric's journey is one of the most compelling aspects of Brotherhood. Their initial transgression, the forbidden human transmutation, set them on a path fraught with danger, moral dilemmas, and incredible growth. Edward, the "Fullmetal Alchemist," battles with his automail limb and a sharp wit, constantly pushing forward. Alphonse, a soul bound to a towering suit of armor, grapples with his identity and the fear of losing his connection to humanity.
Their quest for the Philosopher's Stone leads them across Amestris, from the bustling capital of Central City to the scarred desert of Ishval. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters: the steadfast automail mechanic Winry Rockbell, the enigmatic Colonel Roy Mustang, the stern but protective Major Alex Louis Armstrong, and many more. Each encounter, whether with friend or foe, tests their resolve and deepens their understanding of alchemy, the world, and the true cost of their ambition. They learn that equivalent exchange often demands more than just material value—it demands sacrifice.
The Climax of Brotherhood: Confronting Father and the Gate of Truth
The narrative of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood masterfully builds to an unforgettable climax. As Father's grand plan unfolds, turning the land into a colossal transmutation circle, the Elric brothers and their allies unite for a final, desperate stand. The battle against Father and his most powerful Homunculi is a breathtaking display of strategy, sheer willpower, and devastating alchemical power.
In a pivotal moment, as Father absorbs the very "God" from the planet's Gate, Edward finds himself against an insurmountable foe. It is here that Alphonse makes the ultimate sacrifice, offering his own soul to the Gate of Truth to bring back Edward's original arm. With his true arm restored, Edward unleashes a furious, powerful assault, ultimately defeating Father. The entity known as "Truth" then reclaims Father, dismantling him inside the Gate and bringing his tyrannical reign to an end. This moment is not just a victory but a profound reckoning with the consequences of playing God.
A Journey's End: The Brotherhood Epilogue and Beyond
With Father defeated and the world saved, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood delivers a deeply satisfying and emotionally resonant epilogue. The Elric brothers, having paid the ultimate price, must now restore what they lost. Edward performs a final, selfless human transmutation, offering his own ability to use alchemy to the Gate in exchange for Alphonse's body and soul, whole and complete. It's a testament to his growth, choosing the bond with his brother over the power he once coveted.
The series concludes with a glimpse into the future, showing the characters finding their paths to peace and purpose. Ed and Winry return to Resembool, where Ed famously proposes to her, and they eventually raise a family. Al embarks on a journey to Xing to learn alkahestry, a different form of alchemy, alongside May Chang. Colonel Mustang receives a Philosopher's Stone and works to rebuild Ishval with the help of Scar, demonstrating true leadership. Ling Yao becomes the wise Emperor of Xing, and Van Hohenheim, the Elric brothers' father, dies peacefully at Trisha's grave, finding his own redemption. A bonus manga chapter, "Another Journey's End," even shows Al melting down his old armor to be repurposed for those in need, symbolizing his complete embrace of his restored human body.
While Zenitsu Agatsuma may not appear in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, the anime provides its own incredible universe filled with compelling characters, profound themes, and an unforgettable story. If you were searching for Zenitsu, we hope this journey through Amestris has instead sparked your interest in the truly epic and self-contained narrative of the Elric brothers. There's a vast world of alchemy, humanity, and profound sacrifice waiting for you to explore!