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The adage 'The past is written by the victors' serves as a central theme that One Piece author Eiichiro Oda has long integrated into the narrative. Popular tales often fail to convey the complete reality, even for the most powerful figures in this story's intricate history. Oden was no foolish performer dancing through the streets of Wano; he acted out of duty and conviction. Bartholomew Kuma was not a ruthless villain who separated the Straw Hat Pirates, as well; he was helping them. Similarly, the Davy Jones legend signified beyond just a buccaneer's contest in search of flags and crews.

In chapter #1164 of the manga, we witness the peak of this idea. The whole Divine Isle narrative acts as a cautionary tale, advising readers not to evaluate the characters too hastily.

Legends frequently fail to capture the full reality, including the most influential characters.

One Piece's latest flashback, detailing the Divine Isle incident, stands as one of the story's finest storylines to now. Beyond the excitement of seeing icons in their peak, it's gripping to observe them prior to when they turned into icons — when their reputation had still not outgrow their humanity. The past, as recorded by the World Government and retold through hearsay stories, painted our understanding of figures like Gol D. Roger, Rocks D. Xebec, and even Monkey D. Garp. But each of the government's accounts and the stories of those who were acquainted with them turn out to be untrustworthy, showing only pieces of who these men truly were.

The Individual Before the Myth

The future Pirate King may have been driven by purpose and the bold spirit that ignited a fresh era of buccaneering, but prior to he was known as the Pirate King, he was a youth ruled by emotion and the desire to explore. When people discuss his myth, they usually refer to his second voyage, the epic quest in pursuit of the guide stones that point toward the final island. Yet not much is understood about his initial travels, the one that shaped him prior to glory discovered him.

At that time, Gol D. Roger knew little of the globe's secret history. His affection for Shakky guided him to God Valley, where he discovered the World Government's darkest truths: the genocidal "contests," the monstrous appearances of the Five Elders, and even the existence of the planet's unseen sovereign, the mysterious leader. We haven't seen Roger's thoughts about all that's occurring in God Valley, but perhaps discovering the child of a Holy Knight on his vessel will lead him to understand his role in the world and pursue the truth he glimpsed from Xebec's situation.

The Reality About Rocks D. Xebec

Prior to this recollection, what we were aware of of Rocks D. Xebec was derived mostly from Sengoku's account, each to the viewers and to new Marines. He depicted Rocks D. Xebec as a vile, ambitious man determined to achieve global control, someone so threatening that Gol D. Roger and Garp had to join forces to overcome him. But as it turns out, Sengoku wasn't even present at the Divine Isle; he was only repeating the Global Authority's approved narrative of events, the very story the sovereign approved to conceal the truth about Rocks D. Xebec and the event itself.

In truth, The captain, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a ethical man who aimed to overthrow Imu and dismantle the decadent Global Authority. We don't know if he was guided by lust for power, retribution for his family, or a wish for justice, but when he found out the regime's plan to eliminate the land where his kin resided, he gave up his dreams of conquest to rescue them.

This devotion for his relatives proved to be his undoing. After facing the sovereign, he forfeited his determination and liberty, turning into a puppet enslaved to their authority. Currently, with what little awareness is left, he begs with Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp to end his life — thinking that dying would be a kindness in contrast to the torment he suffers. The truth of Rocks D. Xebec is thus far from the story narrated by Sengoku, and the comic presents him in a favorable light during the God Valley events.

Is He Still Alive Today?

But was Rocks D. Xebec really meet his end? An intriguing idea is that he is even now a slave to the ruler in the present day, acting as the scarred individual, maintaining the World Government's only remaining Poneglyph in constant transit to prevent the ultimate treasure from being found.

The Hero's Hidden Defiance

A further protagonist of the God Valley event is Garp, who has faced criticism from fans for years for standing by as Admiral Akainu murdered Portgas D. Ace. That feeling only grew more intense after the time jump, when he risked all to rescue Koby at Hachinosu, causing many to wonder why he couldn't do the identical for his biological grandchild. Similar questions have recently reemerged with the Divine Isle recollection: how could Garp work for the Marines, knowing the World Government treats genocide and slavery as entertainment for the upper class?

The reality uncovers something different. The instant Monkey D. Garp saw the Elders' grotesque shapes, he struck without hesitation. His alliance with Gol D. Roger was not meant to defeat some villainous Rocks D. Xebec, but a courageous act of defiance, an attempt to halt the sovereign, who was using Xebec as a pawn to eliminate everyone in the Divine Isle, even apparently, including the Celestial Dragons themselves. This event is probably the cause Monkey D. Garp detests the Celestial Dragons in the current era and why he not once desired to be elevated to Admiral, reporting directly to them.

The Past's Unreliable Storytellers

Although the audience are viewing the God Valley event through a flashback recounted by Loki, including perspectives and events he obviously wasn't present for, I believe we can consider this account as completely truthful. The series may provide an explanation later, perhaps connected to Loki's still mysterious paramecia ability. Nevertheless, the God Valley event perfectly exemplifies the idea that the past is written by the winners. This attitude is {