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In the first chapter of Fullmetal Alchemist, immediately after the priest
explains that he wants to conquer the nation, we see Ed saying that he doesn't
care at all.

[![panel](https://i.stack.imgur.com/DoSJJ.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/DoSJJ.png)

Why is there a Japanese flag on the priest's head? And what does Ed's gesture
mean?


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2017-07-20T11:51:05.597
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2017-07-27T08:10:24.213
2017-07-20T18:36:19.710
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Why is the Japanese flag supposed to be funny?


Ed's gesture means he throws the priest's ambition away to where the arrow
points using his both hands. The SFX (onomatopoeia)「ぺいっ」(pei with small tu to
express impetus) dexcribes the movement you toss away something light that you
can easily carry such as a crumpled paper. 「ぽいっ」is used commonly but in this
case, the author chose「ぺいっ」to make Ed's action a bit funnier because he
totally ignored the priest's burning passion to conquer the nation in front of
his nose.

About the Japanese flag, I think only the author knows the true meaning of it
but I assume the flag is hoisted on the priest's head to make fun of him who's
in shock by Ed's indifference. It won't make a difference if it were a
American flag or a tiny flower because it doesn't hold a serious meaning which
affects the scene but only add a mockery taste to the conversation of them and
give a tiny giggle to a reader.


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