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The saying 'History is recorded by the victors' serves as a key theme that Eiichiro Oda's epic author Eiichiro Oda has for some time woven into the story. Popular tales frequently fail to capture the full truth, even for the most influential characters in this world's intricate history. Oden was no foolish performer dancing through the streets of Wano; he acted out of duty and principle. Bartholomew Kuma was not a ruthless antagonist who separated the Straw Hats, either; he was helping them. Likewise, the Davy Jones legend meant more than a pirate's game in pursuit of flags and followers.

In chapter #1164 of the manga, we see the culmination of this theme. The whole Divine Isle narrative acts as a cautionary tale, instructing readers not to evaluate the characters too hastily.

Legends often do not capture the complete reality, including the most influential characters.

The series's most recent look back, detailing the Divine Isle event, represents one of the series' best arcs to date. Beyond the excitement of seeing legends in their prime, it's compelling to see them prior to when they turned into icons — when their reputation had still not outgrow their humanity. History, as recorded by the Global Authority and recounted through hearsay tales, shaped our perception of individuals like Roger, Rocks D. Xebec, and even Monkey D. Garp. But each of the regime's records and the stories of those who were acquainted with them prove unreliable, revealing only fragments of who these individuals really were.

The Individual Prior to the Legend

The future Pirate King may have been driven by mission and the daring spirit that ignited a fresh era of piracy, but prior to he became the Pirate King, he was a young man governed by passion and the desire to explore. When people discuss his myth, they usually mean his second voyage, the epic quest in search of the Road Poneglyphs that lead to the final island. Yet little is known about his initial travels, the one that molded him prior to fame found him.

Back then, Gol D. Roger knew little of the world's hidden history. His affection for Shakky guided him to the Divine Isle, where he discovered the Global Authority's darkest truths: the genocidal "games," the grotesque forms of the Five Elders, and even the presence of the world's unseen sovereign, the mysterious leader. We haven't seen Roger's reflections about all that's occurring in God Valley, but maybe discovering the son of a God's Knight on his vessel will lead him to understand his role in the world and pursue the truth he caught a glimpse of from Rocks D. Xebec's situation.

The Reality About Rocks D. Xebec

Before this flashback, what we knew of Rocks D. Xebec came almost entirely from the former Fleet Admiral's version, both to the viewers and to new Marines. He painted Xebec as a vile, power-hungry 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 was not present at the Divine Isle; he was only echoing the Global Authority's approved narrative of events, the very story Imu authorized to conceal the truth about Xebec and the event itself.

In reality, Rocks D. Xebec, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a principled man who aimed to overthrow the ruler and dismantle the decadent Global Authority. We are unsure if he was motivated by lust for power, retribution for his clan, or a desire for justice, but when he found out the government's scheme to annihilate the island where his kin resided, he gave up his dreams of domination to save them.

This devotion for his family became his undoing. After facing Imu, he forfeited his determination and liberty, becoming a marionette controlled to their power. Currently, with what limited consciousness is left, he pleads with Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp to end his life — thinking that death would be a kindness compared to the torment he endures. The truth of Rocks is thus very different from the tale narrated by Sengoku, and the manga shows him in a favorable light during the God Valley incidents.

Could He Be Living Today?

But did Rocks actually meet his end? An intriguing theory is that he is still a slave to the ruler in the current timeline, acting as the scarred individual, keeping the World Government's last ancient stone in continuous transit to prevent the One Piece from being discovered.

Garp's Secret Rebellion

Another key figure of the God Valley event is Monkey D. Garp, who has endured criticism from fans for a long time for standing by as Admiral Akainu murdered Portgas D. Ace. That feeling only grew more intense after the time jump, when he endangered all to rescue the young Marine at Pirate Island, leading many to question why he was unable to do the identical for his biological grandchild. Comparable questions have now resurfaced with the Divine Isle recollection: how could Garp serve the Marines, aware the World Government treats genocide and slavery as entertainment for the upper class?

The truth uncovers something distinct. The moment Monkey D. Garp witnessed the Elders' monstrous forms, he struck immediately. His partnership with Roger was not meant to defeat some villainous Rocks D. Xebec, but a courageous act of defiance, an attempt to stop Imu, who was using Xebec as a pawn to wipe out all in the Divine Isle, including apparently, even the World Nobles themselves. This event is probably the reason Garp despises the World Nobles in the present day and why he not once wanted to be promoted to Fleet Admiral, reporting straight to them.

The Past's Untrustworthy Storytellers

Even though the readers are seeing the Divine Isle event through a flashback recounted by the giant, including viewpoints and occurrences he obviously was absent for, I believe we can consider this account as completely accurate. The series may offer an explanation later, perhaps connected to Loki's still mysterious paramecia ability. Nevertheless, the God Valley incident excellently embodies the idea that the past is written by the winners. This attitude is {