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The saying 'History is written by the victors' serves as a key theme that Eiichiro Oda's epic creator Eiichiro Oda has for some time integrated into the story. Popular tales frequently fail to capture the complete truth, even for the most powerful figures in this world's intricate history. Kozuki Oden wasn't a foolish performer dancing through the roads of Wano; he behaved out of duty and principle. Bartholomew Kuma was not a ruthless villain who separated the Straw Hat Pirates, as well; he was doing them a favor. Likewise, the Davy Jones legend signified beyond just a pirate's contest in pursuit of flags and followers.

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

Legends frequently fail to convey the complete truth, including the most influential figures.

The series's latest look back, chronicling the Divine Isle event, represents one of the story's best arcs to date. Beyond the thrill of seeing legends in their prime, it's gripping to see them before they became symbols — when their reputation had still not outgrow their human nature. History, as recorded by the World Government and retold through secondhand tales, shaped our perception of individuals like Roger, Xebec, and even Monkey D. Garp. But each of the regime's accounts and the stories of those who knew them prove unreliable, revealing only fragments of who these men really were.

The Man Prior to the Legend

Gol D. Roger may have been driven by purpose and the bold spirit that ignited a fresh era of buccaneering, but before he was known as the King of the Pirates, he was a young man governed by emotion and the desire to explore. When individuals speak of his legend, they typically mean his second voyage, the epic expedition in search of the guide stones that point toward the final island. Yet not much is understood about his initial travels, the one that molded him before glory found him.

At that time, Roger knew little of the world's hidden past. His love for the barkeep guided him to the Divine Isle, where he uncovered the Global Authority's darkest realities: the extermination "games," the monstrous appearances of the Gorosei, and including the presence of the planet's hidden ruler, the mysterious leader. We are yet to witness Gol D. Roger's reflections about everything happening in the Divine Isle, but perhaps discovering the son of a God's Knight on his vessel will make him realize his role in the world and seek the truth he caught a glimpse of from Xebec's predicament.

The Truth About The Infamous Captain

Prior to this recollection, what we knew of Rocks D. Xebec came mostly from the former Fleet Admiral's account, both to the viewers and to young Navy recruits. He painted Rocks D. Xebec as a despicable, power-hungry man bent on world domination, someone so dangerous that Gol D. Roger and Garp had to join forces to defeat him. But as it turns out, the strategist wasn't even present at God Valley; he was only repeating the Global Authority's sanctioned version of events, the very narrative Imu authorized to bury the truth about Rocks D. Xebec and the event itself.

In reality, Rocks D. Xebec, whose real name was Davy D. Xebec, was a principled man who sought to topple Imu and dismantle the decadent World Government. We don't know if he was motivated by ambition, revenge for his clan, or a wish for justice, but when he found out the regime's scheme to eliminate the land where his family resided, he abandoned his dreams of conquest to save them.

This love for his family became his downfall. After confronting Imu, he lost his will and freedom, turning into a puppet enslaved to their power. Currently, with what limited awareness remains, he pleads with Gol D. Roger and Garp to end his life — believing that death would be a mercy compared to the torment he endures. The truth of Rocks D. Xebec is thus far from the tale narrated by the former Fleet Admiral, and the manga shows him in a favorable light during the God Valley events.

Is He Still Alive Today?

But was Rocks D. Xebec actually die? An intriguing theory is that he is still a servant to Imu in the current timeline, serving as The Man Marked By Flames, maintaining the World Government's last ancient stone in continuous movement to prevent the ultimate treasure from being discovered.

The Hero's Secret Defiance

Another protagonist of the God Valley incident 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 became even stronger after the timeskip, when he risked all to rescue Koby at Hachinosu, causing many to question why he was unable to do the same for his own grandson. Similar questions have now resurfaced with the Divine Isle flashback: how could Monkey D. Garp serve the Marines, aware the Global Authority treats genocide and enslavement as sport for the elite?

The reality uncovers something distinct. The moment Garp witnessed the Elders' monstrous forms, he attacked without hesitation. His partnership with Gol D. Roger wasn't to defeat some villainous Rocks D. Xebec, but a bold act of defiance, an effort to stop the sovereign, who was using Rocks D. Xebec as a tool to eliminate everyone in God Valley, including it seems, including the World Nobles themselves. This incident is probably the cause Garp despises the World Nobles in the present day and why he never desired to be elevated to Admiral, answering directly to them.

History's Untrustworthy Storytellers

Even though the audience are viewing the Divine Isle event through a recollection recounted by the giant, including perspectives and events he obviously was absent for, I believe we can treat this account as entirely accurate. The manga may provide an reason in the future, perhaps connected to the giant's yet unknown paramecia ability. Still, the Divine Isle event perfectly exemplifies the idea that history is written by the winners. This mindset is {