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The saying 'History is recorded by the winners' is a central motif that Eiichiro Oda's epic creator Eiichiro Oda has long woven into the narrative. Popular tales frequently fail to convey the complete reality, even for the most influential figures in this story's intricate history. Oden was no foolish showman dancing through the roads of Wano Country; he behaved out of duty and principle. Bartholomew Kuma wasn't a ruthless antagonist who tore apart the Straw Hat Pirates, as well; he was helping them. Likewise, the Davy Jones legend signified beyond just a buccaneer's game in search of emblems and followers.

In chapter #1164 of One Piece, we witness the peak of this idea. The whole God Valley story serves as a cautionary tale, instructing audiences not to judge the individuals too hastily.

Myths often fail to capture the full reality, even for the most powerful characters.

The series's most recent flashback, detailing the Divine Isle incident, stands as one of the series' best storylines to now. Apart from the excitement of witnessing legends in their prime, it's compelling to observe them before they became icons — when their fame had yet to outgrow their humanity. The past, as recorded by the World Government and retold through hearsay tales, shaped our understanding of figures like Gol D. Roger, Rocks D. Xebec, and including Monkey D. Garp. But each of the regime's records and the narratives of those who were acquainted with them prove untrustworthy, showing only fragments of who these individuals really were.

The Individual Before the Myth

The future Pirate King may have been driven by purpose and the daring attitude that ignited a new age of buccaneering, but prior to he became the King of the Pirates, he was a young man governed by emotion and the desire to explore. When individuals discuss his myth, they typically refer to his second voyage, the grand expedition in pursuit of the guide stones that lead to the final island. However little is understood about his first journey, the one that molded him prior to glory discovered him.

Back then, Gol D. Roger knew little of the globe's secret past. His affection for the barkeep guided him to the Divine Isle, where he discovered the Global Authority's darkest truths: the extermination "contests," the monstrous appearances of the Five Elders, and even the existence of the world's hidden sovereign, the mysterious leader. We are yet to witness Gol D. Roger's reflections about all that's occurring in the Divine Isle, but perhaps finding the child of a Holy Knight on his ship will lead him to understand his place in the globe and seek the truth he caught a glimpse of from Xebec's situation.

The Truth About The Infamous Captain

Before this flashback, what we knew of Rocks D. Xebec was derived mostly from Sengoku's account, each to the viewers and to new Navy recruits. He painted Rocks D. Xebec as a vile, power-hungry man bent on world domination, someone so dangerous that Gol D. Roger and Garp had to team up to overcome him. But as it transpires, the strategist wasn't even present at the Divine Isle; he was merely echoing the World Government's approved version of occurrences, the very story the sovereign approved to bury the truth about Xebec and the event itself.

In truth, Rocks D. Xebec, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a ethical man who aimed to overthrow the ruler and dismantle the corrupt Global Authority. We are unsure if he was motivated by lust for power, retribution for his family, or a wish for fairness, but when he discovered the regime's scheme to eliminate the island where his kin lived, he gave up his dreams of conquest to save them.

This love for his family became his downfall. Upon confronting the sovereign, he forfeited his will and freedom, turning into a marionette enslaved to their power. Now, with what little consciousness is left, he pleads with Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp to end his life — believing that dying would be a mercy compared to the living hell he suffers. The reality of Rocks is thus far from the tale narrated by Sengoku, and the comic presents him in a positive light during the God Valley events.

Is He Still Alive Today?

But was Rocks really meet his end? An intriguing theory is that he is even now a servant to the ruler in the present day, acting as The Man Marked By Flames, maintaining the World Government's last Poneglyph in continuous movement to prevent the ultimate treasure from being discovered.

Garp's Secret Rebellion

Another key figure of the God Valley incident is Monkey D. Garp, who has endured criticism from fans for years for doing nothing as Admiral Akainu killed Ace. That sentiment only grew more intense after the time jump, when he endangered everything to rescue Koby at Pirate Island, leading many to wonder why he couldn't do the same for his own grandchild. Similar questions have now reemerged with the God Valley flashback: how can Monkey D. Garp serve the Navy, knowing the Global Authority considers mass murder and slavery as entertainment for the elite?

The reality uncovers something distinct. The instant Garp witnessed the Gorosei's 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 manipulating Rocks D. Xebec as a pawn to eliminate everyone in the Divine Isle, even apparently, even the World Nobles themselves. This event is likely the reason Garp despises the Celestial Dragons in the current era and why he never wanted to be promoted to Admiral, answering directly to them.

History's Untrustworthy Narrators

Although the audience are viewing the God Valley event through a recollection recounted by Loki, covering perspectives and events he obviously was absent for, I believe we can treat this version as completely accurate. The manga may provide an explanation in the future, perhaps connected to Loki's yet unknown Devil Fruit. Still, the Divine Isle incident excellently exemplifies the notion that history is written by the winners. This attitude is {