I Choose In The One Piece Class, Do I Have A Choice?

With a sharp clang, the saber in the hands of the two rituals glimmered as it carved a radiant arc through the air. A circle of sword light rippled outward, and in an instant, the world seemed to shift. Colors dimmed, as though drawn into an ethereal plane, while petals descended like whispers from the heavens, infusing the atmosphere with an otherworldly serenity.

Suddenly, the two rituals' pupils widened, golden light surging forth like twin suns. Words, almost melodic, slipped from her lips, weaving an incantation that resonated in the very fabric of existence. Her form became a fleeting shadow, darting toward the assembled members of the Hyuga family. Over 2,000 souls stood frozen, their eyes catching only a glimpse of a phantom and the flash of a blade.

A collective shiver coursed through them. It was not the blade they feared but the unmistakable sensation of something deeper being severed—something beyond flesh and bone.

Crack!

A faint yet profound sound echoed through their minds.

Gasps and exclamations soon followed as realization dawned on them. One by one, the members of the branch house touched their foreheads in disbelief, their voices trembling with emotion.

"It's gone..."

"The cage... it's shattered!"

"My Caged Bird... it's gone!"

The conceptual curse that had imprisoned their very essence—the Caged Bird seal—was no more. Its metaphysical threads had been severed by the mystical power of the two rituals' blade. Her mastery over the magic eye of death had allowed her to target the curse alone, sparing the physical and spiritual integrity of those afflicted. In one stroke, she had undone centuries of bondage.

Hyuga Hiashi, the clan head, stepped forward, his voice quivering with a mix of disbelief and joy. "Is it true? Has the curse been lifted for all of you?"

Cheers erupted among the branch house members, tears of relief streaming down their faces. The weight of generations of servitude was lifted in an instant.

"Hyuga Hiashi," Finn's calm yet commanding voice cut through the jubilance, "It's time for you to honor your promise."

Hiashi, though overwhelmed with emotion, nodded resolutely. Turning to face his clan, he raised his voice.

"For centuries, our Hyuga family has been divided by this cursed seal. But today marks a new chapter—one without the shackles of the Caged Bird! My daughters, Hinata and Hanabi, will not suffer as my brother once did, nor as so many of you have endured. As promised, I will relinquish my role as clan head."

Gasps spread across the crowd.

"I name Hyuga Neji, my brother's son and the most gifted among us, as the new head of the Hyuga family."

The announcement sent shockwaves through the gathered clansmen. Many from the old guard bristled with discontent. Veins bulged on their foreheads as they protested.

"Hiashi, you cannot make such a hasty decision!"

"Neji is too young! Our family needs stability, not impulsive changes!"

The elders of the former ruling faction clamored, their voices a cacophony of fear and indignation. Finn, observing their resistance, narrowed his eyes. A faint golden glow shimmered in his gaze.

The pressure of his Conqueror's Haki swept through the area like a tidal wave. The protesting elders froze, their faces pale as if confronted by death itself. In mere moments, their strength crumbled under the immense mental strain, and they fell to the ground—babbling incoherently, their once-calculating minds now reduced to a fog of confusion.

The crowd recoiled in shock at the sudden turn of events. Hiashi, too, was taken aback. He turned to Finn, a mix of awe and wariness in his expression. "Was this your doing?"

Finn raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Do you really think I'd waste my power dealing with a few squabbling old men? If they've fallen to dementia, perhaps it's the weight of their own hypocrisy."

His voice grew cold, the authority in it unmistakable. "Remember, Hyuga Hiashi, I've done what no one else could. I've freed your people. If you dare question me again, your entire clan will regret it."

Hiashi's eyes widened, and he quickly bowed. "My deepest apologies, Master Finn. I was wrong to doubt you. Please forgive my offense."

Finn's stern expression softened slightly. With a dismissive wave, he replied, "Hmph. See that it doesn't happen again."

The branch house members, now united and free, knelt before Hyuga Neji, who stood at the forefront, embodying hope for a brighter future. Neji himself knelt before Finn and the two rituals, his voice steady and filled with gratitude.

"Master Finn, Lady Ritual, you have given us freedom. I vow to lead the Hyuga family with honor and never forget your mercy."

Finn simply nodded, his enigmatic gaze fixed on the horizon, as if already looking toward his next endeavor.