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The adage 'History is written by the winners' is a central theme that Eiichiro Oda's epic author Eiichiro Oda has long woven into the narrative. Legends often fail to convey the full truth, even for the most influential characters in this story's complex history. Kozuki Oden was no silly showman dancing through the streets of Wano; he behaved out of duty and conviction. Kuma wasn't a ruthless antagonist who separated the Straw Hats, as well; he was helping them. Similarly, Davy Jones meant more than a buccaneer's contest in pursuit of emblems and crews.

In chapter #1164 of the manga, we witness the peak of this theme. The entire Divine Isle story serves as a warning story, advising readers not to evaluate the characters too hastily.

Myths often fail to convey the full truth, even for the most influential figures.

One Piece's latest look back, detailing the Divine Isle incident, stands as one of the series' best storylines to now. Beyond the excitement of seeing legends in their peak, it's compelling to observe them before they turned into icons — when their reputation had yet to outgrow their humanity. The past, as recorded by the World Government and recounted through hearsay tales, painted our perception of figures like Roger, Xebec, and even Monkey D. Garp. But both the regime's accounts and the narratives of those who were acquainted with them turn out to be untrustworthy, showing only pieces of who these individuals really were.

The Man Before the Myth

Gol D. Roger may have been guided by purpose and the daring spirit that sparked a new age of piracy, but before he became the King of the Pirates, he was a youth ruled by passion and wanderlust. When people discuss his legend, they typically refer to his later journey, the epic expedition in search of the guide stones that lead to the final island. Yet little is known about his initial travels, the one that molded him prior to fame found him.

At that time, Roger knew little of the world's hidden history. His love for the barkeep led him to the Divine Isle, where he discovered the World Government's darkest realities: the genocidal "contests," the grotesque appearances of the Five Elders, and even the presence of the planet's unseen sovereign, Imu. We are yet to witness Roger's thoughts about all that's happening in God Valley, but perhaps finding the child of a Holy Knight on his ship will make him realize his role in the world and seek the reality he glimpsed from Xebec's predicament.

The Truth About The Infamous Captain

Before this recollection, what we were aware of of Rocks D. Xebec came mostly from Sengoku's version, both to the audience and to young Navy recruits. He depicted Rocks D. Xebec as a despicable, power-hungry man bent on world domination, someone so dangerous that Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp had to join forces to overcome him. But as it turns out, Sengoku was not there at God Valley; he was merely echoing the Global Authority's sanctioned version of events, the very narrative Imu authorized to conceal the reality about Rocks D. Xebec and the incident itself.

In reality, Rocks D. Xebec, whose true name was Davy D. Xebec, was a ethical man who aimed to overthrow Imu and dismantle the corrupt Global Authority. We are unsure if he was motivated by lust for power, revenge for his clan, or a desire for justice, but when he discovered the regime's scheme to annihilate the island where his kin lived, he gave up his ambitions of domination to save them.

This devotion for his relatives became his undoing. Upon facing Imu, he forfeited his will and freedom, turning into a marionette controlled to their power. Now, with what limited awareness is left, he pleads with Gol D. Roger and Garp to end his life — thinking that dying would be a kindness compared to the living hell he endures. The truth of Rocks is thus far from the tale narrated by Sengoku, and the manga shows him in a favorable light during the God Valley incidents.

Is He Still Alive Today?

But did Rocks actually die? An interesting idea is that he is still a servant to the ruler in the current timeline, serving as The Man Marked By Flames, maintaining the World Government's only remaining ancient stone in continuous transit to prevent the One Piece from being discovered.

Garp's Hidden Rebellion

A further protagonist of the Divine Isle event is Monkey D. Garp, who has faced criticism from fans for years for standing by as Admiral Akainu killed Portgas D. Ace. That feeling only grew more intense after the time jump, when he endangered everything to rescue Koby at Hachinosu, causing many to question why he couldn't do the same for his biological grandson. Similar doubts have recently resurfaced with the Divine Isle recollection: how could Garp serve the Marines, knowing the World Government considers mass murder and slavery as entertainment for the upper class?

The reality reveals something distinct. The instant Garp saw the Gorosei's monstrous forms, he attacked without hesitation. His partnership with Gol D. Roger was not meant to vanquish some villainous Xebec, but a courageous act of rebellion, an attempt to stop Imu, who was using Rocks D. Xebec as a pawn to eliminate everyone in God Valley, even it seems, even the Celestial Dragons themselves. This incident is probably the reason Monkey D. Garp despises the Celestial Dragons in the current era and why he not once wanted to be promoted to Admiral, reporting straight to them.

History's Untrustworthy Narrators

Even though the readers are viewing the Divine Isle event through a recollection narrated by Loki, including perspectives and events he obviously was absent for, I believe we can consider this account as completely accurate. The manga may provide an reason in the future, perhaps connected to the giant's still mysterious Devil Fruit. Nevertheless, the Divine Isle event excellently embodies the idea that the past is recorded by the winners. This attitude is {