Chapter 34: Offending Uchiha Is One Thing, Offending You Is Another
"I was a bit worried at first," Fugaku said with a gentle smile. "After all, your mission target this time was one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru."
Douhuan casually placed the mission scroll he obtained from the Yamamoto Clan Leader on the table.
"What is this?" Fugaku asked curiously. Douhuan gestured with his eyes for Fugaku to check it himself.
Fugaku picked up the scroll and injected a bit of chakra to unlock it. Just one glance made him sit upright, his expression slightly tense.
"This... is all...?" Fugaku stammered.
"A total of fifteen billion ryo," Douhuan replied calmly. "If I hadn't been in such a rush and carried more sealing scrolls, it would have been even more."
"You're really something, Douhuan." Fugaku couldn't hide his excitement. To accumulate this much money, even the Uchiha clan's enterprises, after deducting expenses for essential ninja tools and family maintenance, would take years. Yet Douhuan went out on one mission and returned with this massive sum.
"Send two of our jonin to Tanzaku Town tomorrow. This will be a long-term guard mission payment," Douhuan instructed.
"Understood," Fugaku nodded.
"How's the Police Force holding up while I was away?" Douhuan asked.
"Surprisingly well," Fugaku replied. "Thanks to the manual you left behind, the new recruits adapted quickly. They've already started regular patrols and duties."
"But...?" Douhuan immediately caught the hesitation in Fugaku's tone.
"There's one problem," Fugaku said, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Complaints against the patrols have increased several times over. Oddly enough, all the complaints are targeting the new civilian recruits, while our clan members have received none."
"Oh?" Douhuan chuckled lightly. "Are the new recruits not maintaining the 'smiling while enforcing' policy?"
"That's not it," Fugaku sighed. "Before every patrol, the squad leaders repeatedly emphasize maintaining a friendly demeanor. Yesterday, we even had an all-hands meeting to reinforce it. But no matter how much we stress it, the complaints keep piling up. Will this affect your plan of integrating the clan into the village?"
"Don't worry," Douhuan reassured. "I'll handle it tomorrow."
He wasn't surprised at all. He knew better than anyone what the villagers were like. As long as the Police Force consisted solely of Uchiha, the villagers would remain obedient out of fear. But now that civilians had joined, the dynamic had shifted.
"Can't offend the Uchiha, but can't I offend you?!" That was the mentality of these villagers.
Douhuan actually found this development quite favorable. The civilians taking the heat would significantly improve the Uchiha's public image. Moreover, the unjust complaints would breed resentment among the civilian recruits, and one day, when they needed to take action against the villagers, the batons would strike harder.
Fugaku relaxed slightly. "If you have a plan, then I'm relieved."
Then his expression softened. "Actually, I came here for something personal."
"Oh? Please go on."
"I'd like you to become Sasuke's teacher."
Douhuan raised an eyebrow. "What made you decide that?"
Fugaku sighed. "Sasuke is at the age to formally learn ninjutsu. A few days ago, I taught him our clan's standard initiation jutsu, the Great Fireball Technique. But... his progress is far behind his brother's."
Douhuan chuckled. He remembered his own struggles with that jutsu back at the clan's training hall, where he ranked 27th out of 28 students. It almost made him doubt whether he was suited to be a ninja.
"But since we have your example, I decided to test Sasuke's chakra nature. It turns out he has both Fire and Lightning attributes. After teaching him a basic Lightning Release technique, he picked it up instantly—far faster than with fire jutsu."
Fugaku gave a helpless smile. "His lightning affinity is much stronger than fire, but neither Mikoto nor I are proficient with lightning techniques. You, however, are different. Back when you were at the academy, your performance was unremarkable. But once you learned your first Lightning Release, your talent became apparent."
Douhuan nodded. "I understand. Have Sasuke come to me after school from now on."
Fugaku looked relieved. "Thank you, Douhuan. You don't know how much this means to me. Itachi has already lost his way... I don't want Sasuke to end up the same."
"I'll take good care of him," Douhuan promised.
---
The Next Day at the Police Force Headquarters
Douhuan arrived at his office in the Police Force and found it freshly decorated by his subordinates.
He couldn't help but nod in approval.
One of his lieutenants, Uchiha Daiki, entered and saluted.
"Welcome back, Captain!"
"Good work while I was away," Douhuan responded.
Daiki hesitated before speaking. "Captain, about the... complaint situation—"
"I'm already aware of it," Douhuan interrupted. "Gather all the new recruits. I'll address this matter personally."
---
Assembly Hall of the Police Force
The hall was packed with newly recruited civilian ninjas, all standing nervously, unsure of why they had been called.
Douhuan stepped up to the podium and surveyed the crowd.
"I've heard that you've been receiving a lot of complaints recently."
The civilians shifted uncomfortably. One of the braver ones spoke up.
"Captain, we've been following the protocol—smiling while enforcing, maintaining a friendly attitude. But no matter what we do, they just keep filing complaints!"
Douhuan smiled. "Of course they would. In their eyes, you're just easy targets. Can't offend the Uchiha, but offending a bunch of civilians? No problem."
The recruits looked at each other, confusion evident on their faces.
"From now on," Douhuan declared, "you'll carry out patrols as usual. Ignore frivolous complaints. If someone causes trouble, handle it firmly and decisively. Remember, you're no longer just civilians—you're part of the Police Force."
His gaze hardened. "Anyone who dares to mess with you will be messing with me. Understand?"
The recruits straightened their backs, eyes gleaming with newfound determination.
"Yes, Captain!"
Douhuan smirked, knowing he had just solidified the loyalty and morale of the new recruits.
"Dismissed."
As the crowd dispersed, Douhuan couldn't help but feel satisfied. Soon, the civilian recruits would become the perfect shields and enforcers for the Uchiha, while also helping to repair the clan's image.
His plans were slowly but steadily falling into place.