What Were the Rocks Pirates?
The Rocks Pirates were a legendary and terrifying pirate crew that ruled the seas of the One Piece world approximately 38 years before the current timeline. Formed on the island of Hachinosu, the crew was notorious for its extreme internal violence and lack of camaraderie, with members often killing one another even while at sea. Unlike most crews driven by adventure or wealth, the Rocks crew One Piece was assembled with a singular, dark purpose: to become the world's most dominant power and seize control of the entire globe. Their reputation was so fearsome that the World Government eventually attempted to erase their very existence from history, making Rocks Pirates members some of the most mysterious figures in the series.
Rocks D. Xebec
At the heart of this chaotic assembly was their captain, Rocks D. Xebec. As a bearer of the "Will of D," Xebec was a man of immense ambition and cruelty. He sought to become the "King of the World," directly challenging the authority of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. While his specific powers remain a mystery, his strength was undeniable, as he managed to command a group of individualistic monsters who would later become legends in their own right. It took the combined efforts of Monkey D. Garp and the future Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, to finally bring him down during the God Valley Incident.
Young Whitebeard
Before he was known as the "Strongest Man in the World" and the father of his own massive crew, Edward Newgate was one of the core Rocks Pirates members. During his time under Xebec, a young Whitebeard was already a formidable force. However, historical accounts and flashbacks suggest that Newgate never truly fit the violent culture of the Rocks crew One Piece. While others sought world domination, Newgate’s true desire was always for a family, a dream he would eventually realize after the crew disbanded following their defeat at God Valley.
Young Big Mom
Charlotte Linlin, later known as the Yonko Big Mom, was another powerhouse among the Rocks Pirates members. Joining the crew in her twenties, she was already a physical marvel with the powers of the Soru Soru no Mi. During the God Valley Incident, Linlin played a pivotal role not just as a combatant, but as the one who provided a young Kaido with his Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. Her time with Rocks helped establish the foundation of her future empire, Totto Land, and her status as one of the most dangerous women to ever sail the Grand Line.
Young Kaido
At the time of the crew's peak, Kaido was merely an apprentice. Despite his junior status, his potential was so great that he was recruited into the most dangerous crew in history. As one of the Rocks Pirates members, Kaido witnessed firsthand the absolute peak of pirate power and the ruthless ambition required to challenge the gods of the world. On the day the crew fell at God Valley, Big Mom gave him the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, granting him the ability to transform into an Azure Dragon and setting him on the path to becoming the "Strongest Creature."
Shiki
Shiki the Golden Lion, the first man to ever escape Impel Down, was also a prominent member of the Rocks crew One Piece. A master of the Float-Float Fruit (Fuwa Fuwa no Mi), Shiki was a legendary swordsman and commander. His presence in the crew further highlights just how concentrated the world's power was within Xebec's ranks. Following the crew's dissolution, Shiki went on to command the largest pirate armada of his era, eventually becoming a primary rival to Gol D. Roger.
Others
Beyond the future Yonko, the Rocks Pirates members included several other high-profile names that would leave their mark on history:
- Captain John: Famous for his legendary hidden treasure that Buggy the Clown spends much of the series searching for.
- Ochoku (Wang Zhi): A powerful pirate who maintained control of Hachinosu for years until being ousted by Blackbeard.
- Silver Axe: Another noted member whose reputation was built on the bloodstained deck of the Rocks ship.
- Miss Buckingham Stussy: Recently revealed to have been a member, she is the mother of Weevil and the original subject of the CP0 cloning project.
God Valley Battle
The legacy of the Rocks crew One Piece ended abruptly at God Valley. In a world-shaking confrontation, the Rocks Pirates attacked the Celestial Dragons and their slaves. To protect the innocent and the balance of the world, Marine Vice-Admiral Garp and Gol D. Roger formed an unlikely alliance. The ensuing battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Rocks Pirates and the disappearance of the island itself from all maps. This event cemented Garp’s legacy as the "Hero of the Marines" and marked the end of the most dangerous pirate era in history.
FAQ
Why did the Rocks Pirates break up?
The crew disbanded after their total defeat at God Valley. Without the leadership of Rocks D. Xebec, the members—who already hated one another—scattered to form their own legendary paths.
Was Gol D. Roger a member of the Rocks Pirates?
No, Roger was never one of the Rocks Pirates members. In fact, he was one of the primary individuals responsible for defeating them at God Valley.
Who was the strongest member after Xebec?
While subjective, Whitebeard is generally considered the strongest of the former members, eventually becoming the "Strongest Man in the World."
