Chapter 180: The System Can't Be Trusted, I've Got to Rely on Myself!
"Hypnosis?"
"Yes. Through self-hypnosis, I forcibly commanded my brain to issue orders to my body for accelerated healing and accelerated metabolism."
"Theoretically, this could achieve effects similar to Life Return."
"But it's dangerous, because hypnosis at this level touches the subconscious and may trigger unexpected side effects."
Ralph's expression turned serious:
"More importantly, during the hypnosis process, I discovered a way to learn the 'Giant Race' technique."
"I was greedy and wanted to master both skills."
Everyone held their breath.
"The essence of 'Giant Race' is 'a state of complete control through power'."
"'Giant Race' means power so immense that it can influence or even control an entire country with a single strike."
"So, thinking in reverse, I could start by completely mastering my own body, then step by step, through training, use power to suppress everything, pursuing the ultimate state of power—"
"Eventually reaching the level of Giant Race!"
Ralph's voice gradually lowered:
"To achieve this state, I deepened the hypnosis. As a result… that terrifying personality was born."
The deck fell silent, with only the sea breeze remaining. The sound of Nami's scissors gradually stopped.
"In that other personality's state, the effects of Life Return were achieved."
"The illness healed rapidly, the weakened state disappeared, and due to the accelerated metabolism, my hair even grew to waist length within minutes."
Ralph touched his now-shortened hair:
"But at the same time, the personality issues caused by the hypnosis also surfaced."
"The other 'me' was ruthless, detached, and solely focused on pursuing the greatest power."
"That 'Tyrant Blade' technique was comprehended in that state."
Zoro closed his eyes, silently repeating those two words.
The more he understood the origin of this sword technique, the more he could feel the terror of Ralph's strikes at that time.
"Abandoning everything to pursue the greatest power…"
Zoro murmured, "Wouldn't that be… the strongest sword technique?"
He opened his eyes, staring intently at Ralph:
"If you had swung your blade at that time, perhaps you could have become even stronger, eventually mastering the world's greatest sword technique and becoming an invincible powerhouse."
"The other 'you' said—that was your true ambition and aspiration!"
Sanji immediately grew furious, grabbing Zoro by the collar:
"Damn green-haired bastard! What are you saying?! For some bullshit sword technique, you wish Ralph had cut Lufia?!"
Zoro, unusually, did not retaliate.
He simply stared at Ralph, waiting for an answer.
For Zoro, this question was important.
In this world, does the "strongest sword technique" truly exist?
For someone determined to become the world's greatest swordsman, the answer to this question concerns his future path.
If it were spoken by a mediocre person, Zoro would naturally scoff in disdain.
But this was spoken by Ralph.
And it was a completely new swordsmanship theory he had never heard before.
He needed Ralph's answer.
On the other hand, he also wanted to confirm Ralph's attitude toward Lufia once more.
Under everyone's gaze, Ralph smiled.
It was a smile… of relief.
"Don't be ridiculous."
He said,
"That red-eyed 'me' was clearly extreme in personality. The 'Tyrant Blade' he comprehended could never be called the world's greatest."
Zoro frowned:
"Why?"
"Because there is no invincible sword technique in this world—only invincible people."
Ralph said seriously, "Even if a person is heartless and unjust, even if they're worse than pigs or dogs, a weakling is still a weakling. No matter how strong the swordsmanship, it depends on the one who wields it."
He thought for a moment, then continued:
"Now, back to so-called 'dreams.'"
"Becoming the world's greatest swordsman—like you—that's a dream."
"But abandoning all emotions and desires, giving up everything in the world, just to pursue the power to control everything..."
Ralph looked at Lufia:
"Lufia, what do you think?"
Lufia tilted her head in thought, then stuck out her tongue:
"How boring!"
"Someone with a 'dream' like that is just pitiful!"
She put her hands on her hips, her expression serious,
"If someone told me I had to give up all of you, my friends, to become the Pirate King—I'd definitely punch them flying! Because they'd definitely be a big liar!"
She grinned, radiant as sunshine:
"The Pirate King I want to be isn't like that at all!"
In that moment, the atmosphere on the deck suddenly brightened.
Sanji released Zoro's collar. Zoro fell silent for a few seconds, then smiled too.
Nami cheerfully called out to Lufia:
"Alright, future Pirate King! Come sit down, I'm going to cut your hair! I'll keep these strands carefully. Once you become the Pirate King, they might sell for a sky-high price!"
"Really?!"
Lufia's eyes lit up, and she obediently sat on the chair.
Ralph watched the harmonious scene before him, warmth welling up in his heart.
He stood up, shaking off the stray hairs on his clothes.
A thought crossed his mind, and the system panel automatically appeared in his consciousness:
[System Notification: Having experienced trials of life and death, health and illness, Lufia's favorability toward you has increased by 5%.]
[Current Favorability: Close Friend Stage 95%]
[System Notification: Through sudden enlightenment, you have successfully created the skill "Red-Eyed Ralph."]
[Skill Description: You can enter the "Red-Eyed Ralph" state through self-hypnosis. In this state, your body is controlled by the alternate personality "Red-Eyed Ralph," possessing all of the host's skills and temporarily gaining the following abilities:]
[Life Return (Temporary)]
[Conqueror's Haki (Temporary)]
[Tyrant Blade (Temporary)]
[The method to exit the "Red-Eyed Ralph" state must be explored by the host independently.]
Ralph cursed inwardly:
"I knew this system was unreliable. When it comes down to it, I still have to rely on myself..."
"But, 95% favorability..."
He looked at Lufia, who was having her hair styled by Nami.
The girl shrank her neck because it tickled, letting out a "hee-hee" laugh, her smile shining brightly in the sunlight.
Soon.
The next stage is coming soon.
Just then, Ralph felt something tugging at his pant leg.
Looking down—
Munch-Munch.
The little black dinosaur was biting his pant leg with its mouth, its big eyes staring at him pitifully, its tail wagging like a propeller.
"Awooo..."
It made a pitiful sound.
Ralph: "..."
Sanji poked his head out from the kitchen:
"What's wrong? Is Munch-Munch hungry again?"
"Impossible!"
Usopp exclaimed, "We just fed it a fish over ten meters long! That was only two hours ago!"
Ralph facepalmed.
He finally understood why Wapol did nothing but eat all day—
The side effect of the Baku Baku no Mi was making the already struggling Straw Hat Pirates' situation even worse.
"Sanji..."
Ralph called out weakly.
"What is it?"
Sanji, cigarette in mouth, turned back toward the kitchen.
"Same as always—you catch the fish, I'll cook. Honestly, how come this ship is full of such big eaters..."
Lufia (trimming her hair) raised her hand:
"Me! I'm the biggest eater on this ship!!"
Everyone: "..."
Sunshine, the sea, noisy companions.
The Going Merry sailed on, heading toward Alabasta.
And Ralph watched it all, a smile unconsciously curling at the corner of his mouth.
Then, with a splash, he dove into the sea, his Observation Haki stretching out like tentacles.