One Piece: Blood Clan

One month later.

Burs stared at the progress bar as it reached 100% at Level 10. With a long, relieved exhale, he acknowledged that a month of relentless effort had finally borne fruit.

[Evolution conditions met. Would you like to initiate evolution?]

[Yes]

Without a hint of hesitation, Burs prepared for the transformation in the privacy of his own room. With his strict household rules—neither Nancy nor Miya ever venturing in uninvited—he was free from distractions as his evolution began. In an instant, his attribute panel started updating at lightning speed:

Dao Power: 77…78…79…

…climbing steadily until it settled at 105.

The entire evolution felt not like agony, but rather an overwhelming rush of natural energy and indescribable exhilaration. In under ten minutes, the process was complete.

A message flashed on his system:

"Congratulations, host. Newbie Quest completed. Rewards acquired: Small Blood Bag ×1, Blood Ring ×1."

The updated character sheet now read:

  Name: Icano B. Burs

  Age: 6

  Race: Medium-Level Vampire

  Level: 1 (0% progress)

  Dao Power: 105

  Armament Haki: Locked

  Observation Haki: Level 1

  Conqueror's Haki: Locked

  Skills:

  • Blood Sucking: Ingest blood to boost strength, rapidly heal wounds, and even regenerate severed limbs. Prolonged abstinence results in a loss of power, while the potency increases with the strength of the blood donor.

  • Innate Observation Haki: Naturally possessed.

  • Medium-Level Vampire: A vampire who, upon reaching adulthood, becomes fifty times stronger than a normal soldier. At Level 20, evolution into a high-level vampire awaits.

  • Curse of the Night: Attributes gain a modest boost at night, but plummet during the day.

  • Night Vision: Vision remains unaffected in darkness.

  • Basic Swordsmanship: (9500/10000) – boosts sword skills by 20%.

  • Blood Thrust: (0/10000) – consumes 1% of one's own blood to deliver a random attack dealing 150%–300% damage; cooldown: 1 minute.

  Inventory:

  • Small Blood Bag: (Capacity: 0/1000 kg of blood) – a compact container that can store an astonishing amount of fresh blood.

  • Blood Ring: (Capacity: 0/10 cubic meters) – a storage ring whose capacity scales with the host's strength.

  Mission:

  • Evolution Quest: Reach Level 20, meet the preconditions for evolution, and complete your second evolution. Reward: Medium Blood Bag and a random skill.

Burs ran his fingers over the newly appeared Blood Ring. "Level reset? So every evolution wipes your level back to one…," he mused, eyeing the sparse attribute panel. "Where's the display for strength, agility, and such? This simplicity makes it tough to gauge my real progress."

Still, he was pleased with the Small Blood Bag. He already understood its potential—much like a storage ring for blood, it could hold a vast reserve despite its tiny appearance. Imagine the advantage in battle: severely wounded, he could simply take a swig from it to instantly restore his vitality.

Feeling newly empowered, Burs smirked to himself. "At this rate, taking on ten kids of Luffy's age shouldn't be a problem."

The thought spurred him to wonder just how old Luffy was now—and what the current state of the world might be.

Having secluded himself for over a month in relentless training, he realized it was time to get a glimpse of the outside world.

Stepping out of his room, he was immediately greeted by Miya.

"Young Master Burs…" Miya began, momentarily taken aback. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if her eyes deceived her—had Burs's pallid skin taken on a healthier tone?

Though still unnaturally white, his complexion now bore hints of change. His evolution would gradually make him look less monstrous over the next three months; he might not become human, but he certainly wouldn't be as frightening as before.

"Is something the matter, Miya?" Burs asked, noting her hesitation.

"Nothing at all," she replied softly. "Are you heading out?"

"Indeed. I have a delivery waiting outside—the custom order I placed earlier is ready for pickup."

Miya offered, "Then allow me to escort you. There's no need for you to venture out alone."

But Burs shook his head. "I'd like to go out for a walk."

"Very well," Miya conceded.

Stepping out of the villa, Burs was instantly blinded by a stream of dazzling sunlight. After more than a month without exposure, the intense rays sent waves of weakness coursing through his body. Fortunately, vampires in this world can tolerate the sun—albeit with diminished strength.

Before long, he arrived at a coffin shop.

"Boss! Is anyone in?" Burs called out.

A moment later, a dignified middle-aged man with an almost ethereal air emerged.

"Ah, Young Master Burs. Your commissioned coffin is ready. Are you here to collect it?" the man inquired politely.

"Yes," Burs replied, tossing over a money pouch.

The shopkeeper quickly verified the amount before saying, "Your coffin will be delivered to your residence tonight. Do you require any additional services?"

"No, thank you," Burs responded curtly before turning to leave.

As he stepped out, Burs's keen Observation Haki picked up on a subtle movement at a nearby corner. He noticed two figures tailing him. Given the well-known wealth of the Ikano family, it wasn't hard to deduce that kidnappers might be targeting him for ransom.

They whispered among themselves:

"Boss, the kid's headed into the wilderness. Should we follow?"

"Idiot, of course we follow. This is the only heir of the Ikano family— Count Ikano has just one child. If we kidnap him, the ransom will be huge. This is a golden opportunity. He's out alone without any bodyguards."

"Right, boss. You're always so clever."

"Remember, there's still much for you to learn."

"Keep your voice down!"

Burs, however, wasn't one to be easily preyed upon. Instead of heading straight home, he chose to follow his instincts. Recalling his own memories and training, he steered toward the barren wilderness to avoid the prying eyes of the villagers—who adored the Ikano family—and to thwart any potential ambush.

Yet, before venturing too far, he paused at an upscale afternoon tea shop. The sunlight was still too harsh outside; it was safer to wait until it softened.

From a hidden vantage point, one of the kidnappers observed, "Boss, the kid has stopped moving."

"I know, dummy," the leader replied quietly. "In the city, it's risky to make a move. The villagers are fiercely loyal to the Ikano family. We must avoid public disturbances until the last moment."

"Understood, boss!"

"Keep it down!"