We quickly learn the hierarchy: Hanzawa is sandwiched between the sycophantic branch manager, Asano, who cares only about his promotion, and the subordinate staff who are terrified of making mistakes. The opening scenes effectively establish the central conflict of the series: the crushing weight of the Japanese corporate structure ( kao o tateru ), where saving face is more important than the truth.
: Rather than backing down, Hanzawa declares he will recover the full amount, famously coining his catchphrase: "If someone does me wrong, I'll pay them back tenfold!" . Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1