Sengoku And Rocks D. Xebec - Is Sengoku Downplaying A Legend?

Hey One Piece fans! Let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing in the community: Sengoku's assessment of Rocks D. Xebec. It feels like the former Fleet Admiral might be downplaying just how much of a threat Rocks and his crew posed to the world. I've got some thoughts on why this might be, and I'm eager to hear your opinions too. So, buckle up, because we're about to get into the nitty-gritty of One Piece history!

The Legend of Rocks D. Xebec and His Era

Rocks D. Xebec, the captain of the legendary Rocks Pirates, was a figure whose ambition and power shook the world long before Gol D. Roger even dreamed of reaching Raftel. We're talking about a guy who had the future Yonko – Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Shiki – under his command. Think about that for a second, guys. That’s like assembling the Avengers of the pirate world, but instead of saving the day, they’re plotting world domination.

Sengoku, being the Fleet Admiral during some of the most tumultuous times in One Piece history, undoubtedly knows the full extent of the Rocks Pirates' threat. He was there, fighting alongside Garp against them at God Valley. He witnessed firsthand the kind of chaos they unleashed. Yet, when discussing Rocks, there's often a tone of...almost dismissal? It's as if Sengoku is trying to minimize the impact Rocks had, perhaps to protect the image of the World Government or to emphasize the accomplishments of his own generation.

But let’s be real, the Rocks Pirates were not your average band of swashbucklers. They were a force of nature, a collection of some of the strongest individuals to ever sail the seas, all united under a single, incredibly ambitious leader. Their goal wasn't just to plunder and pillage; they aimed to become the Kings of the World. This ambition alone sets them apart from most other pirate crews we've seen in One Piece. The fact that they were able to amass such power and influence is a testament to Rocks' charisma and strategic genius. He wasn’t just strong; he was a leader who could bring together a group of incredibly strong-willed individuals and get them to fight for his cause.

The God Valley incident, where Garp and Roger teamed up to defeat Rocks, is a pivotal moment in One Piece history. It's often seen as the event that cemented Garp's legendary status and indirectly paved the way for Roger's rise to Pirate King. But it's also a testament to the sheer power of the Rocks Pirates. It took two legends working together to bring them down. If Rocks was truly a minor threat, would it have required such an alliance? I think not. Sengoku's potential downplaying of Rocks' significance seems to contradict the historical record and the sheer scale of the God Valley incident.

Sengoku's Perspective: Why the Downplay?

So, why might Sengoku be downplaying Rocks? There are a few possible explanations. First, there's the propaganda angle. The World Government isn't exactly known for its transparency. They have a vested interest in controlling the narrative and portraying themselves as the ultimate authority. Emphasizing the threat of Rocks might inadvertently highlight a time when the World Government was vulnerable, when a single pirate crew nearly brought them to their knees.

By minimizing Rocks' impact, Sengoku could be subtly reinforcing the idea that the World Government is always in control, always the dominant force. This is crucial for maintaining order and preventing other ambitious pirates from getting any ideas. If the world believes that no one can truly challenge the World Government, they're less likely to try.

Another reason could be to elevate the legacy of Garp and Roger. These two figures are seen as the heroes who ushered in a new era of piracy. By downplaying Rocks, Sengoku might be inadvertently highlighting the achievements of Garp and Roger. It makes their victory at God Valley seem even more impressive if they defeated a less formidable opponent. It's a classic storytelling trope: the greater the villain, the greater the hero.

However, I think this explanation is a bit too simplistic. Garp and Roger's accomplishments speak for themselves. They don't need Rocks to be diminished to make them look good. Their actions and the impact they had on the world are undeniable. So, while this could be a contributing factor, I don't think it's the primary reason behind Sengoku's perceived downplaying.

Perhaps the most compelling reason is the fear of inspiring future generations. The World Government doesn't want another Rocks to emerge, someone who can unite powerful individuals under a single banner and challenge their authority. By downplaying Rocks' legend, they might hope to prevent others from following in his footsteps. It's a form of historical revisionism, attempting to bury the past to control the future.

Imagine if young, ambitious pirates started seeing Rocks as a role model, someone who came close to conquering the world. It could inspire them to form their own powerful crews and challenge the World Government. By downplaying Rocks, Sengoku and the World Government might be trying to avoid that outcome. They want to ensure that the legend of Rocks fades into obscurity, a cautionary tale rather than an inspirational one.

The Implications for the Current Era

Regardless of Sengoku's motivations, the legacy of Rocks D. Xebec looms large over the current era of One Piece. The Yonko, many of whom were once members of his crew, are now the dominant forces in the New World. Their ambitions and actions are, in many ways, a direct consequence of the seeds Rocks planted decades ago.

Kaido, Big Mom, and even Whitebeard (before his death) all embody the kind of power and ambition that Rocks instilled in his crew. They're not just pirates; they're rulers, vying for control of the seas and challenging the authority of the World Government. The fact that so many of Rocks' former crewmates rose to such prominence speaks volumes about his influence and the strength of his vision.

The current state of the world, with the rise of new powers like Luffy and the escalating conflict between the pirates, the World Government, and the Revolutionary Army, can be seen as a direct result of the power vacuum created by Rocks' defeat. His absence left a void that has been filled by new players, all vying for control and shaping the world in their own image.

It's also worth considering the potential connection between Rocks and the Will of D. We know that Rocks had the