[Editor’s Note: This article contains major plot spoilers for chapter 1155 of One Piece.]
The latest installment of One Piece, chapter 1155, titled “The Rocks Pirates,” provides fresh insight into the past of the enigmatic Rocks D. Xebec and his formidable crew. The chapter explores how this legendary figure managed to assemble such a powerful group of pirates and maintain a semblance of unity despite their clashing personalities. With the revelation that Davy Back Fights were instrumental in the Rocks Pirates’ formation, one of the series’ most criticized story arcs is now imbued with newfound significance.
Ever since his initial mention in chapter 957, aptly named “Ultimate,” fans have speculated about Xebec’s ability to unite individuals like Big Mom, Kaido, and Whitebeard under a single banner. These notorious pirates, destined to become Emperors of the Sea, were hardly known for their camaraderie, each eventually leading their own powerful factions. However, chapter 1155 unveils that Xebec, during a scene with Imu in their garden, proclaimed himself as “a follower of Davy Jones.” Furthermore, the chapter showcases Xebec utilizing Davy Back fights to acquire new members for his crew.
The Davy Back Fight, a long-standing custom among pirates in the One Piece universe, involves crews competing in various challenges with their flags and crewmates on the line. It is suggested that Xebec utilized these contests to recruit prominent figures such as Whitebeard, Shiki, Miss Buckingham Stussy, the newly revealed Don Marlon from West Blue, Ganzui the Smuggler, and Wang Zhi, who would later become a leader of the pirate haven, Hachinosu.
This disclosure clarifies not only the rationale behind the alliance of such powerful and headstrong pirates under Xebec’s command, but it also retroactively enhances the importance of the Long Ring Long Land arc, a segment of the series that has been widely criticized by the One Piece fanbase.
For those who need a reminder, the Long Ring Long Land arc featured Foxy the Silver Fox challenging the Straw Hats to a Davy Back Fight, a traditional pirate competition rooted in the legends of Davy Jones. In these contests, crews wagered their own members. Foxy temporarily acquired Chopper and Robin, but Luffy triumphed over Foxy in the final round, reclaiming all of his crewmates. Instead of retaliating by taking members from Foxy’s crew, Luffy opted to seize their flag instead.
This particular storyline is often met with disapproval from viewers due to its perceived lack of connection to the overarching narrative. Some long-time fans even suggest that newcomers skip it altogether. While another arc, the Sky Island arc, received similar criticism, it was saved by a compelling antagonist, something that Long Ring Long Land was missing, resulting in a general lack of tension.
In what seems like a clever response to these criticisms, author Eiichiro Oda has delivered a narrative twist with wide-reaching implications. The revelation that Xebec utilized Davy Back Fights to form his notorious crew significantly elevates the importance of Long Ring Long Land, much like how Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation recontextualized the Skypiea arc. It is a powerful reminder that nothing in One Piece is truly coincidental.
Image: Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha
Eiichiro Oda’s meticulous foreshadowing has been an integral part of One Piece since its inception. As the series approaches its final stages, seemingly insignificant moments are now proving to be of vital importance. For over two decades, fans have closely examined Oda’s choices, especially when the payoff seemed distant or a particular arc, like Fishman Island, felt less compelling.
As the story progresses towards its conclusion, more seemingly disconnected narrative threads are likely to converge, satisfying the doubters and rewarding those who have consistently trusted Oda’s vision. Key moments such as Gear 5 and the reveal of Xebec’s recruitment strategy feel incredibly satisfying for fans. Further, they represent a victory for an author who is now able to definitively demonstrate the purpose behind his work.