Who Was Rocks?
Rocks D. Xebec was a legendary pirate who ruled the seas nearly 40 years before the current One Piece timeline. Long before the era of Gol D. Roger or the Four Emperors, Rocks D. Xebec was considered the most formidable threat to the World Government. Unlike many pirates who sought wealth or fame, Xebec’s ambition was far more dangerous: he aimed to become the King of the World. His reign was characterized by extreme violence and a total lack of regard for the established order, leading the World Government to eventually scrub his name from the annals of history. Today, very few living souls remember the name Rocks D. Xebec, but his influence still looms large over the Grand Line.
The Rocks Pirates Crew
The Rocks Pirates were not just any crew; they were a collection of the most powerful and volatile individuals ever to sail together. Formed on the island of Beehive (Hachinosu), the crew was brought together by a shared interest in power and destruction rather than loyalty. The roster of the Rocks Pirates reads like a "who’s who" of legendary figures, including:
- Edward Newgate: Better known as Whitebeard, who would later become the "Strongest Man in the World."
- Charlotte Linlin: Known as Big Mom, the future Queen of Totto Land.
- Kaido: The man who would eventually be feared as the "World's Strongest Creature."
- Shiki the Golden Lion: The first man to ever escape Impel Down.
- Captain John and Silver Axe: Notorious pirates whose legends persisted long after the crew disbanded.
Because the crew was composed of such dominant personalities, infighting was constant. It is said that members of the Rocks Pirates would often kill one another even while at sea, held together only by the sheer strength and charisma of Rocks D. Xebec himself.
God Valley Battle
The God Valley Incident remains the most significant and mysterious event in the history of the One Piece world. Thirty-eight years ago, on an island known as God Valley, the Rocks Pirates launched a massive assault. The island was a site where World Nobles (Celestial Dragons) and their slaves were present. The exact reason for the attack remains a mystery, but the scale of the conflict was so immense that it forced an unlikely alliance to protect the Nobles. The ensuing battle resulted in the complete destruction of the Rocks Pirates and the presumed death of Rocks D. Xebec. Following the conflict, the island of God Valley vanished from all maps, and the World Government prohibited any mention of the event.
Garp and Roger's Alliance
The most shocking revelation regarding the God Valley Incident is the alliance that brought Rocks down. To stop the rampage of the Rocks Pirates, Marine Vice-Admiral Monkey D. Garp was forced to team up with the future Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. At the time, Roger was still a rising power, and Garp was already a celebrated Marine. This temporary pact between the law and the outlaw was the only way to counter the overwhelming strength of Xebec and his subordinates. For his role in the victory, Garp earned the title "Hero of the Marines," though he rarely speaks of the incident because he detests the idea of having protected the Celestial Dragons and having collaborated with a pirate.
Rocks' Legacy
Though the World Government attempted to erase Rocks D. Xebec from history, his legacy survived through the individuals he led. After the God Valley Incident, the remnants of the Rocks Pirates went their separate ways, eventually becoming the Yonko who would dominate the New World for decades. The power vacuum left by Xebec's fall allowed Gol D. Roger to rise to the position of Pirate King. Furthermore, Xebec’s desire to challenge the gods (the Celestial Dragons) set a precedent for the "Will of D." and those who naturally oppose the World Government's tyranny. His name may be forgotten by the masses, but the world he helped shape is still very much active.
Connection to Blackbeard
Many fans have noted striking parallels between Rocks D. Xebec and Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard. There are several theories linking the two:
- The Ship: Blackbeard’s flagship is named the "Saber of Xebec."
- The Base: Blackbeard currently occupies Beehive Island, the very place where the Rocks Pirates were first formed.
- The Ambition: Like Xebec, Blackbeard is a member of the D. clan who seeks world domination rather than just freedom.
- The Taboo: Both characters are known for utilizing forbidden powers or unconventional methods to gain strength.
Whether Blackbeard is a literal descendant or simply a spiritual successor, the shadow of Xebec clearly influences Teach’s quest for the One Piece.
FAQ
Was Rocks D. Xebec a Devil Fruit user?
It has not been officially confirmed if Rocks had a Devil Fruit, but given the strength of his crew, it is assumed he possessed immense Haki or a legendary power to keep them in line.
Is Rocks D. Xebec still alive?
While Sengoku stated that Rocks is no longer in this world, the mysterious nature of the God Valley Incident has led some to speculate he could return in the final saga.
Why was the God Valley Incident erased?
The World Government erased it to hide the fact that Marines and Pirates worked together, and to cover up the activities of the Celestial Dragons on that island.
