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The adage 'History is written by the winners' serves as a key theme that Eiichiro Oda's epic author Eiichiro Oda has for some time integrated into the story. Legends frequently do not capture the complete reality, including the most powerful figures in this world's complex history. Oden was no silly performer dancing through the streets of Wano Country; he acted out of honor and principle. Kuma was not a merciless villain who separated the Straw Hats, either; he was doing them a favor. Likewise, the Davy Jones legend signified more than a buccaneer's game in search of flags and crews.

In chapter #1164 of One Piece, we witness the culmination of this theme. The whole Divine Isle story acts as a cautionary tale, instructing readers not to judge the individuals too quickly.

Myths frequently fail to capture the full reality, including the most influential figures.

The series's most recent flashback, detailing the God Valley event, represents one of the series' finest storylines to date. Apart from the thrill of witnessing icons in their prime, it's gripping to see them prior to when they became symbols — when their reputation had yet to surpass their humanity. The past, as written by the World Government and retold through hearsay tales, shaped our understanding of individuals like Gol D. Roger, Xebec, and even Monkey D. Garp. But each of the government's accounts and the stories of those who knew them turn out to be untrustworthy, revealing only pieces of who these men truly were.

The Man Prior to the Myth

The future Pirate King may have been guided by purpose and the bold attitude that sparked a new age of piracy, but before he was known as the King of the Pirates, he was a youth ruled by passion and the desire to explore. When people speak of his legend, they usually refer to his later journey, the epic expedition in pursuit of the guide stones that lead to the final island. Yet not much is known about his first journey, the one that molded him prior to glory discovered him.

Back then, Roger was largely unaware of the globe's secret history. His love for the barkeep led him to God Valley, where he uncovered the World Government's darkest truths: the genocidal "contests," the grotesque appearances of the Gorosei, and even the existence of the world's hidden sovereign, the mysterious leader. We are yet to witness Gol D. Roger's thoughts about all that's occurring in the Divine Isle, but perhaps discovering the son of a Holy Knight on his ship will make him realize his place in the world and seek the reality he caught a glimpse of from Xebec's predicament.

The Reality About Rocks D. Xebec

Before this recollection, what we were aware of of Xebec came almost entirely from Sengoku's account, both to the audience and to young Marines. He depicted Xebec as a vile, power-hungry man determined to achieve global control, someone so dangerous that Roger and Monkey D. Garp had to join forces to overcome him. But as it transpires, Sengoku wasn't even there at God Valley; he was merely echoing the World Government's approved narrative of occurrences, the very narrative Imu approved to bury the truth about Rocks D. Xebec and the incident itself.

In truth, Rocks D. Xebec, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a ethical man who aimed to topple Imu and dismantle the corrupt World Government. We are unsure if he was guided by ambition, retribution for his family, or a wish for fairness, but when he discovered the government's scheme to eliminate the island where his kin resided, he gave up his ambitions of domination to save them.

This devotion for his relatives proved to be his undoing. After confronting Imu, he forfeited his determination and liberty, becoming a puppet enslaved to their authority. Currently, with what little awareness is left, he pleads with Gol D. Roger and Garp to end his life — thinking that death would be a kindness in contrast to the torment he suffers. The truth of Rocks D. Xebec is thus far from the tale narrated by Sengoku, and the manga presents him in a favorable manner during the God Valley incidents.

Could He Be Living Today?

But was Rocks actually meet his end? An interesting idea is that he is even now a servant to Imu in the current timeline, serving as the scarred individual, maintaining the World Government's only remaining ancient stone in constant movement to prevent the ultimate treasure from being discovered.

Garp's Secret Defiance

A further key figure of the Divine Isle event is Monkey D. Garp, who has endured criticism from fans for years for standing by as Admiral Akainu killed Ace. That sentiment only grew stronger after the time jump, when he endangered all to rescue the young Marine at Pirate Island, causing many to wonder why he was unable to do the identical for his biological grandson. Similar doubts have now resurfaced with the God Valley flashback: how can Monkey D. Garp work for the Marines, aware the World Government considers mass murder and enslavement as entertainment for the elite?

The truth uncovers something distinct. The moment Garp saw the Elders' grotesque shapes, he attacked immediately. His alliance with Gol D. Roger was not meant to vanquish some evil Xebec, but a bold act of rebellion, an attempt to halt Imu, who was manipulating Rocks D. Xebec as a tool to wipe out everyone in God Valley, even apparently, including the Celestial Dragons themselves. This incident is probably the cause Garp detests the Celestial Dragons in the current era and why he never desired to be elevated to Admiral, answering directly to them.

The Past's Untrustworthy Storytellers

Even though the audience are viewing the God Valley event through a flashback narrated by Loki, covering viewpoints and events he clearly was absent for, I think we can consider this account as entirely truthful. The manga may offer an explanation later, maybe connected to Loki's still mysterious paramecia ability. Still, the Divine Isle incident excellently exemplifies the idea that history is recorded by the victors. This attitude is {