One Piece: Blood Clan

In the wake of recent events, the village's mood was somber. The tragedy still weighed on everyone's hearts.

"Hey, look over there—what is that?" someone shouted from the crowd.

Not far off, a young girl was seen pushing a cart.

"Isn't that one of Young Master Burs's maids? And what's that she's carrying—it looks like one of the gifts we sent!" murmured another villager.

Stepping into the gathering throng, Miya took a deep breath and announced, "Everyone, please stop for a moment. Young Master Burs has asked me to return the items you all gave him."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"W-what's going on? Could it be that Young Master Burs isn't pleased with our gifts? After all, he saved all our lives last time, and yet we only managed to send such ordinary fruit. How heartless!" someone cried.

"Yeah… we don't deserve his salvation," echoed another.

As panic began to mount, a cold sweat broke out on Miya's forehead. Quickly, she reassured them, "Everyone, please don't misunderstand. Young Master Burs does not reject your gifts. He merely said that since these are the hard-earned crops you've nurtured—and given that we were just attacked by pirates—he cannot accept them now. Instead, he's brought along some money to help repair your homes."

Miya then produced roughly five million Beli—a sum that, though insufficient to restore every home, would provide significant relief since the damage wasn't caused by Young Master Burs himself.

With her explanation, the tense atmosphere gradually subsided.

Just then, a sudden cry erupted from the crowd

"Ahhh!"

"Waaah, such overwhelming gratitude—we don't know how to repay this kindness!"

"How noble, how gracious our young noble is! Young Master Burs, I vow to follow you for life!"

Amid the exaggerated cheers and declarations—so typical of the pirate world's raw, unfiltered emotions—Burs, who had been training, listened quietly. Though he was still a child, he knew that in this world both heroes and villains expressed their feelings with flamboyance.

Still, tonight he considered whether it might be best to meet the villagers personally. Deciding the moment wasn't right due to their heightened excitement, he resolved to do so the next day.

The following night, under a starlit sky, Burs appeared before the villagers. As soon as they saw him, a crowd swarmed around him in wordless awe—the mix of shock and admiration clear in their eyes.

Gazing upon them, Burs spoke calmly, "Friends, I have come to ask for your help."

"Master Burs, tell us what you need, and we will serve without hesitation!" they replied in unison.

He continued, "Here's the situation: our family's wine cellar has been stockpiled with more wine than we can consume. I plan to assemble a fleet to sell our wine in other towns across the East Blue. But we lack workers. I wish to hire many of you to join this venture."

The villagers erupted in excited chatter, eager to assist their savior. "Please, don't worry—if you're interested, sign up with Grey. I'll make sure you're paid a fair wage," Burs added, pacifying the crowd.

Though the plan seemed sudden, it was clear Burs had given it careful thought. The recent pirate raid had left many villagers destitute—some turned beggars overnight. With few job opportunities in East Bro Village, tensions were rising. By creating new work through this merchant fleet, Burs hoped to revitalize the local economy and restore peace.

Moreover, by sailing with the fleet, he could replenish his supply of blood in battle. Quite frankly, he had grown tired of the bland taste of animal blood from his backyard—the invigorating boost from human blood was far superior. Even though 400 units of blood might look abundant, it wouldn't sustain him for long given his growing appetite.

"Master Burs, we will work with every ounce of our strength for you!" the villagers shouted.

"Indeed," he replied. "I will ensure you receive wages that truly reflect your hard work. Now, until the next fleet voyage, farewell."

"Voyage time, Master Burs!" the villagers chorused.

The next day, the turnout for the recruitment drive was overwhelming—nearly every villager showed up. So many people crowded around Burs's family doorstep that it nearly gave way under the pressure. In the end, the sign-up spot was moved outside.

To avoid disrupting the village's normal life, Burs ultimately hired only those hit hardest by the attack. They were assigned roles in tending the vineyards, winemaking, and serving as crew on the ships.

East Bro Village's wine had already gained a modest reputation in the East Blue, and news that it was now for sale spread quickly. It wouldn't be long before the first order arrived.

Later that evening, as Burs was about to retire, the telephone-bug on his desk suddenly rang. Curious as to who might be calling, he answered promptly.

"Moshi moshi…" he greeted.

A gruff voice responded, "Moshi moshi—is this the Ikano household?"

"Yes, this is the eldest son of Count Ikano speaking. How may I help you?"

"This is General Gno from the Kingdom of Goa. I've heard that East Bro Village is selling wine. I would like to place an order. How soon can you deliver?"

"Kingdom of Goa, you say? Given the distance, roughly half a month should suffice."

"Very well. I'll order two hundred barrels of wine. I trust you won't be late."

"Understood," Burs replied, and the call ended.

Inside the wine cellar, there were around five hundred barrels remaining. To his surprise, two hundred barrels had been sold in one fell swoop. It was clear that future production would need to be ramped up.

Perhaps he could even become a merchant himself—who says one must always be a pirate in this world? If it weren't for necessity, he might prefer the steady life of a wealthy entrepreneur over the constant threat of pirate pursuit.

After issuing orders to expand the vineyard and wine cellar, the very next morning Burs stood before the newly assembled fleet.

"Master Burs? Are you here to see us off?" one crew member asked.

"No," Burs replied. "I'm boarding the ship with you."

"Wait—if I understand correctly, you're coming along to the Kingdom of Goa?"

"That's right," he confirmed. "Once our destination is set, I will be with you guys."

Besides, I'm eager to see that infamous kid from Windmill Village in Goa—Luffy, they say. I'd love to witness the future legend.

"Master, it's too troublesome for you to join us," someone protested.

"If I don't go, what will you do if we encounter a pirate ship?" Burs retorted.

His remark left everyone momentarily speechless. In truth, many worried that if Burs left, another pirate raid might strike East Bro Village. Yet the risk of meeting pirates at sea far exceeded that of a village attack—Burs and the ships were simply a better match.