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After years of legal battles, Ripple and its native token XRP reached a pivotal turning point in 2025. With the conclusion of the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), XRP's legal status was clarified, removing the biggest obstacle to its large-scale institutional adoption. However, entering 2026, the market's anticipated "regulatory benefits" did not immediately translate into a significant price surge. XRP's price hovered around $1.35, with a market capitalization of $8.326 billion, contrasting sharply with a series of positive events—including the launch of 7 spot ETFs, large holdings by giants like Goldman Sachs, and Mastercard's integration into the payment system. This article aims to strip away market sentiment, objectively analyze data and key events, and examine the complex situation XRP currently faces. We will focus on what is widely regarded as the "last mile" toward mainstream adoption and the challenges that remain before XRP can truly realize its potential.