"Come on, try it," said Mustang. Sasuke snapped his fingers but there was just a spark and no fire.
"Change the oxygen density in the air with your Alchemy," said Mustang. Sasuke snapped his fingers again, this time changing the oxygen density in the air and he was able to create fire.
"Good job Sasuke," said Mustang. "There is a State Alchemist Examination in two days' time. I will get special permission for you to enter the test."
"I'm fine with that," replied Sasuke.
"Good and you can stay at my place, I live alone so it's okay," said Mustang. Sasuke followed Mustang home on his car.
On the car, Sasuke asked Mustang, "What is being a State Alchemist like? I heard they were given a nickname 'dog of the military'."
"Well you have to obey orders and you cannot question them. When you are ordered to do something, you must complete your duty, even if it means killing tens and thousands of people or killing people you believe are innocent," explained Mustang.
"But in exchange for following orders, what do you gain? That's the law of equivalent exchange isn't it?" asked Sasuke.
"Well in exchange we get this silver watch," Mustang takes out his silver pocket watch to show Sasuke, "it amplifies the Alchemist's power."
Sasuke took a look at the watch, then passed it back to Mustang. "I will pass the exam," said Sasuke with confidence. Mustang smiled at Sasuke's determination.
For the next two days, Sasuke trained with Mustang to prepare for the test.
Finally, the day of the exam came. Mustang brought Sasuke to the exam site and Sasuke went in. Sasuke was not at all nervous as he walked in.
When he walked in, it was a paper test. Sasuke sat at his assigned seat and waited for the test to start. When the test started, Sasuke picked up his pen and did the paper. After the first part of the exam was over, Sasuke walked out.
An hour later, the second part of the exam, which was an interview, took place. Sasuke walked in, only to see a chair with one leg and the Fuhrer sitting in front of it.
"Come sit down, if the chair does not fall, you are a potential State Alchemist," said the Fuhrer. Sasuke walked to the chair and sat down. The chair did not fall. The interview began and he was asked many questions. He answered them confidently.
After the interview was over, Sasuke walked out, only to see Mustang waiting outside for him.
"How was it?" Mustang asked.
"Fine," replied Sasuke.
Now it was the last part of the exam, the practical exam.