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The saying 'History is written by the victors' serves as a central theme that One Piece author Eiichiro Oda has long integrated into the narrative. Popular tales frequently do not capture the full truth, even for the most powerful figures in this world's intricate past. Kozuki Oden was no silly showman dancing through the roads of Wano; he acted out of honor and conviction. Bartholomew Kuma wasn't a ruthless villain who tore apart the Straw Hats, as well; he was doing them a favor. Likewise, the Davy Jones legend meant beyond just a pirate's contest in search of flags and followers.

In chapter #1164 of One Piece, we see the culmination of this theme. The whole God Valley story acts as a warning story, instructing audiences not to judge the individuals too quickly.

Legends often fail to capture the complete truth, even for the most influential figures.

The series's latest look back, detailing the Divine Isle incident, represents one of the series' best storylines to now. Beyond the thrill of witnessing legends in their peak, it's compelling to see them prior to when they became icons — when their reputation had still not outgrow their human nature. History, as recorded by the World Government and retold through secondhand stories, painted our perception of figures like Roger, Xebec, and even Garp. But each of the government's records and the narratives of those who were acquainted with them prove unreliable, revealing only pieces of who these individuals truly were.

The Man Before the Myth

Gol D. Roger may have been guided by purpose and the daring attitude that ignited a new age of piracy, but prior to he became the King of the Pirates, he was a youth governed by passion and the desire to explore. When people discuss his myth, they usually refer to his later journey, the grand quest in pursuit of the guide stones that lead to the final island. Yet not much is understood about his initial travels, the one that molded him prior to glory found him.

At that time, Roger was largely unaware of the globe's secret past. His love for Shakky led him to the Divine Isle, where he uncovered the World Government's most sinister realities: the genocidal "games," the monstrous appearances of the Gorosei, and even the presence of the world's hidden ruler, the mysterious leader. We haven't seen Gol D. Roger's reflections about everything occurring in God Valley, but maybe discovering the child of a God's Knight on his vessel will lead him to understand his role in the world and seek the reality he caught a glimpse of from Rocks D. Xebec's situation.

The Reality About Rocks D. Xebec

Before this flashback, what we knew of Xebec came mostly from the former Fleet Admiral's account, both to the viewers and to young Navy recruits. He painted Xebec as a vile, power-hungry man bent on world domination, someone so threatening that Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp had to team up to defeat him. But as it transpires, the strategist wasn't even there at God Valley; he was merely repeating the World Government's sanctioned narrative of events, the very story Imu authorized to bury the truth about Xebec and the event itself.

In truth, Rocks D. Xebec, whose real name was Davy D. Xebec, was a principled man who aimed to overthrow the ruler and dismantle the corrupt World Government. We don't know if he was guided by lust for power, retribution for his clan, or a wish for justice, but when he discovered the regime's plan to annihilate the island where his kin lived, he abandoned his dreams of conquest to save them.

This love for his family proved to be his downfall. Upon confronting the sovereign, he lost his determination and liberty, turning into a marionette controlled to their power. Now, with what little awareness is left, he pleads with Roger and Garp to end his life — believing that death would be a mercy in contrast to the torment he endures. The truth of Rocks D. Xebec is thus far from the tale told by Sengoku, and the comic shows him in a positive light during the Divine Isle incidents.

Is He Living Today?

But did Rocks D. Xebec really meet his end? An intriguing theory is that he is still a slave to the ruler in the current timeline, serving as the scarred individual, keeping the Global Authority's only remaining ancient stone in constant transit to prevent the ultimate treasure from being found.

Garp's Secret Defiance

Another protagonist of the God Valley event is Garp, who has endured criticism from followers for years for doing nothing as Akainu murdered Portgas D. Ace. That feeling only grew stronger after the timeskip, when he endangered all to rescue Koby at Hachinosu, causing many to question why he was unable to do the identical for his biological grandchild. Similar doubts have recently reemerged with the Divine Isle flashback: how can Garp work for the Navy, aware the World Government considers genocide and enslavement as sport for the elite?

The reality uncovers something distinct. The instant Monkey D. Garp saw the Gorosei's grotesque shapes, he struck without hesitation. His partnership with Roger was not meant to defeat some evil Xebec, but a courageous act of defiance, an effort to stop Imu, who was using Rocks D. Xebec as a tool to wipe out all in the Divine Isle, including it seems, even the World Nobles themselves. This event is likely the cause Garp despises the Celestial Dragons in the present day and why he not once wanted to be elevated to Admiral, reporting straight to them.

The Past's Unreliable Storytellers

Although the readers are seeing the Divine Isle incident through a flashback recounted by the giant, including viewpoints and events he obviously wasn't present for, I believe we can treat this account as completely accurate. The manga may offer an reason in the future, maybe linked to the giant's yet unknown paramecia ability. Still, the God Valley event excellently embodies the notion that history is written by the victors. This mindset is {