Chapter 35: Red Envelopes
After Uchiha Douhuan became the clan leader and assumed the position of deputy captain in the Police Force, he initially received a rather simple office. The room contained nothing but a basic desk and a file cabinet, with no additional decorations. However, while Douhuan was out on his mission, the Police Force took the opportunity to give his office a small makeover.
The desk and chairs were replaced with a new, stylish set, and the file cabinet was meticulously organized. On one side of the office stood a traditional display shelf, holding an exquisite set of tea utensils from a famous craftsman, along with several varieties of high-quality tea leaves.
On the opposite side was a beautifully crafted katana rack, currently empty, clearly prepared for Douhuan's Jirai (Thunder Blade).
After carefully placing Jilei on the rack, Douhuan looked at the wall behind his seat, and that was what he was most satisfied with.
A single scroll hung on the otherwise blank wall, featuring four bold characters:
政清人和 (Clean Governance and Harmony)
Satisfied, Douhuan sat down in his new chair. It wasn't long before an Uchiha clan member came to deliver the complaint summary from the past few days.
After glancing through the numerous complaints, Douhuan selected a group of the most frequently complained-about members and had his subordinates summon them to his office.
---
Police Force Office - Morning
It didn't take long for the office to fill up with a group of nervous young shinobi, most of them freshly graduated from the Academy. Many of them looked even younger than Douhuan himself.
The squad leaders, mostly Uchiha members, stood at the front, visibly uneasy. They had been strictly following Douhuan's "smile while enforcing" policy, repeatedly reminding their subordinates to be courteous during patrols. Yet, the complaints kept piling up despite their efforts.
Douhuan arranged the complaint files neatly on his desk before speaking up.
"These complaints aren't your fault," one squad leader bravely stated. "The guys are doing their jobs properly, and they're even maintaining a friendly attitude as instructed. Most of these complaints are just plain malicious."
Douhuan nodded. "I know. I've reviewed the records myself. I didn't call you here to scold you."
Turning to the young civilian shinobi behind the squad leaders, Douhuan asked, "How's the work at the Police Force been treating you?"
One of the braver youths stepped forward, chest puffed out. "Sir! The work is going smoothly. It's an honor to be part of the Police Force!"
Douhuan glanced at the file and read the name aloud. "Tanamura Ranzosuke. Not bad. In just three days, you've handled three illegal street vendor cases and arrested seven drunk and disorderly villagers."
Ranzosuke smiled proudly. "It's just my duty, sir!"
Douhuan raised an eyebrow. "But your complaint rate..."
The youth's confident demeanor instantly wilted, and his head dropped.
"What's with that look?" Douhuan suddenly laughed. "In the Police Force, the complaint rate doesn't count against you."
"Huh?" Ranzosuke looked up, dumbfounded.
He had already braced himself for a scolding. After all, his salary was 80,000 ryo per month, plus bonuses, and he had even received a strong C-rank jutsu as a welcome gift. A bit of verbal abuse seemed fair in exchange.
"Why the stunned look?" Douhuan chuckled. "Our job means being misunderstood. But as shinobi of the Police Force, it's our duty to bear those burdens for the sake of Konoha. The Will of Fire teaches us to serve with pride, even if it means enduring hardships. Hold onto that belief."
Douhuan then pulled out a thick red envelope and handed it to Ranzosuke.
"You've done well. This is a reward for your hard work."
Then, Douhuan took out a stack of red envelopes, distributing them to every shinobi present.
The young recruits looked at the envelopes, stunned.
"Keep up the good work," Douhuan said with a reassuring smile. "Together, let's make Konoha a safer and more harmonious place."
Ranzosuke snapped to attention, eyes gleaming with pride. "Thank you, Sir! Loyal and True!"
The others followed his lead.
"Loyal and True!"
"Loyal and True!" Douhuan returned the salute with satisfaction.
---
After Distributing Rewards
One by one, Douhuan summoned more recruits and repeated the process. By the time he was done, everyone in the Police Force had received a red envelope.
For the squad leaders and captains, the envelope contained 20,000 ryo, while for the regular members, it was 5,000 ryo. The expense was just shy of 300,000 ryo, which was nothing considering the massive fortune Douhuan had acquired.
More importantly, the morale boost it provided was immense. The civilian recruits, initially worn down by the constant complaints, now brimmed with motivation, and even the Uchiha members couldn't help but smile at the infectious enthusiasm.
---
Douhuan's Office - Afternoon
Having finished distributing the red envelopes, Douhuan finally settled down for some tea.
He knew that while this gesture would temporarily boost morale, it wasn't a permanent solution. To truly resolve the problem, he needed a catalyst—an opportunity to let these recruits vent their accumulated frustrations in a justified way.
The complaints from villagers? Douhuan never cared about those in the first place. The smile enforcement policy and the complaint box were just for show. Once things escalated, it would be time to strike hard and fast.
"Hopefully, those two old relics don't keep me waiting too long," Douhuan mused as he sipped his tea.
Just then, there was a knock at his office door.
"Come in," he called out.
The door opened, and Shisui Uchiha stepped inside.
"Oh, Shisui, you're just in time," Douhuan greeted with a smile. "I was about to look for you. Here, take this. Everyone in the Police Force gets one."
He handed Shisui a red envelope.
Shisui took it, a little surprised. "Thank you, Captain. What's the occasion?"
"Just a little recognition for everyone's hard work. Morale is important, you know."
Shisui smiled warmly. "You really think of everything, Captain. No wonder everyone respects you."
Douhuan waved it off with a grin. "Just doing what needs to be done. Got some time to chat? I wanted to discuss something important with you."
"Of course," Shisui replied, taking a seat.
With the Police Force morale boosted, Douhuan knew the next phase of his plan could proceed smoothly. All that remained was to wait for the right moment to make his move.