🔗 Share this article

The saying 'History is written by the victors' is a key theme that Eiichiro Oda's epic author Eiichiro Oda has for some time integrated into the story. Popular tales frequently do not capture the full truth, even for the most powerful figures in this story's complex history. Oden wasn't a silly showman prancing through the streets of Wano Country; he acted out of duty and conviction. Kuma was not a ruthless villain who tore apart the Straw Hat Pirates, as well; he was helping them. Similarly, the Davy Jones legend signified more than a buccaneer's game in pursuit of emblems and followers.

In chapter #1164 of the manga, we witness the peak of this theme. The entire Divine Isle narrative serves as a cautionary tale, advising audiences not to evaluate the individuals too quickly.

Legends frequently do not capture the full truth, even for the most influential figures.

The series's latest look back, chronicling the Divine Isle event, represents one of the series' best storylines to date. Beyond the thrill of witnessing legends in their prime, it's gripping to observe them before they became symbols — when their fame had yet to outgrow their human nature. The past, as written by the Global Authority and retold through secondhand tales, painted our perception of figures like Gol D. Roger, Xebec, and including Monkey D. Garp. But each of the regime's accounts and the stories of those who were acquainted with them prove untrustworthy, showing only fragments of who these individuals truly were.

The Man Prior to the Legend

Gol D. Roger may have been driven by mission and the daring attitude that ignited a new age of piracy, but prior to he became the Pirate King, he was a young man ruled by passion and the desire to explore. When people speak of his myth, they usually mean his second voyage, the grand expedition in pursuit of the Road Poneglyphs that point toward the final island. Yet not much is known about his first journey, the one that shaped him before glory discovered him.

Back then, Gol D. Roger was largely unaware of the world's hidden history. His affection for Shakky guided him to the Divine Isle, where he discovered the Global Authority's most sinister truths: the extermination "games," the grotesque appearances of the Gorosei, and even the presence of the planet's unseen sovereign, Imu. We haven't seen Gol D. Roger's thoughts about everything occurring in the Divine Isle, but maybe discovering the child of a Holy Knight on his ship will lead him to understand his role in the world and seek the truth he caught a glimpse of from Xebec's predicament.

The Reality About Rocks D. Xebec

Before this flashback, what we knew of Xebec came mostly from the former Fleet Admiral's version, each to the viewers and to new Marines. He depicted Xebec as a despicable, power-hungry man determined to achieve global control, someone so threatening that Roger and Garp had to team up to overcome him. But as it transpires, Sengoku was not there at the Divine Isle; he was only echoing the Global Authority's approved version of events, the very narrative Imu authorized to bury the truth about Xebec and the event itself.

In reality, The captain, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a ethical man who aimed to overthrow the ruler and dismantle the decadent World Government. We don't know if he was motivated by ambition, revenge for his family, or a wish for justice, but when he discovered the regime's plan to eliminate the island where his kin resided, he abandoned his dreams of domination to save them.

This love for his family proved to be his downfall. Upon confronting Imu, he forfeited his determination and liberty, turning into a marionette controlled to their power. Currently, with what little consciousness remains, he begs with Roger and Garp to kill him — thinking that death would be a kindness compared to the living hell he endures. The reality of Rocks is thus far from the story narrated by Sengoku, and the comic presents him in a favorable light during the Divine Isle incidents.

Could He Be Still Alive Today?

But did Rocks D. Xebec actually die? An intriguing idea is that he is even now a servant to the ruler in the present day, acting as the scarred individual, keeping the Global Authority's last ancient stone in continuous movement to keep the ultimate treasure from being found.

The Hero's Hidden Rebellion

Another protagonist of the God Valley event is Garp, who has endured criticism from fans for a long time for standing by as Admiral Akainu murdered Ace. That sentiment only grew stronger after the time jump, when he endangered everything to save the young Marine at Hachinosu, leading many to question why he was unable to do the same for his biological grandchild. Comparable questions have recently resurfaced with the Divine Isle flashback: how could Monkey D. Garp serve the Marines, knowing the Global Authority considers mass murder and enslavement as sport for the elite?

The reality uncovers something different. The instant Monkey D. Garp saw the Elders' grotesque forms, he struck immediately. His partnership with Gol D. Roger was not meant to vanquish some evil Rocks D. Xebec, but a bold act of defiance, an effort to stop the sovereign, who was using Xebec as a tool to wipe out everyone in God Valley, including apparently, even the World Nobles themselves. This incident is likely the cause Monkey D. Garp detests the World Nobles in the present day and why he never wanted to be promoted to Admiral, answering straight to them.

The Past's Untrustworthy Storytellers

Although the audience are seeing the Divine Isle incident through a recollection recounted by Loki, covering viewpoints and occurrences he clearly was absent for, I think we can consider this version as entirely accurate. The manga may provide an explanation later, maybe connected to Loki's yet unknown Devil Fruit. Nevertheless, the Divine Isle incident perfectly exemplifies the notion that history is written by the winners. This attitude is {