ONE PIECE Analysis! – Summary of Rocks Pirates Members! Who is Ochoku? Who is Silver Axe? What about Shakuyaku and Miss Buckin? Were they gathered through a Davy Back Fight? What is the God Valley Incident?
ONE PIECE, with over 500 million copies in circulation, is a manga filled with countless foreshadowing elements. Even after more than 25 years of serialization, new mysteries keep emerging.
In this article, we will thoroughly examine the Rocks Pirates. First mentioned in Volume 90 of the manga, this pirate crew could hold the key until the final chapter of ONE PIECE.
The Rocks Pirates: The World’s Most Dreaded Pirate Crew Over 40 Years Ago
Let’s delve into the known information about the Rocks Pirates.
The Rocks Pirates existed more than 40 years ago and were the strongest pirate crew of their time. According to Garp, “Before Roger, it was definitely the era of the Rocks Pirates.”
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
The Rocks Pirates operated from Hachinosu and were gathered for a particular profitable scheme, although the details of this scheme remain unknown. Unlike crews drawn together by the captain’s charisma, the Rocks Pirates were described by Sengoku as a “group of individuals.”
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
As a result, acts like “killing comrades,” a taboo among pirates, were rampant, earning them the reputation of the world’s most feared pirate crew. Their actions were so heinous that many incidents were covered up by the World Government.
Due to the constant infighting among its members, the name of the Rocks Pirates was not passed down, and even in the Marines, those who knew of them were rare.
Were Members Compelled to Join Through the Davy Back Fight?
How were the Rocks Pirates gathered?
This was through a pirate game called the Davy Back Fight.
First appearing in Volume 30 with the Foxy Pirates, the Davy Back Fight is a game where the winners steal members from the losers’ crew. The stakes could include crew members or even pirate flags.
Originally explained as a game from “Pirate Island,” it turns out that this was the base of the Rocks Pirates. While the Foxy Pirates’ story felt abrupt, it served as a setup for the Rocks Pirates later.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
For instance, Whitebeard was around 40 when the Rocks Pirates were destroyed, indicating that members were likely captains of their own crews. The constant disputes among hastily gathered members are understandable.
However, not all members joined through the Davy Back Fight. Kaidou, for example, was recruited directly into the Rocks Pirates.
Was the Concept of the Rocks Pirates Present Since the Arabasta Arc?
The Foxy Pirates appeared between the Arabasta and Skypiea arcs, suggesting that the idea of the Rocks Pirates existed as early as the Arabasta Arc. Interestingly, “Rocks” and “Foxy” have similar sounds.
After defeating the Foxy Pirates, Admiral “Aokiji” Kuzan made his first appearance. Aokiji is linked with Blackbeard, who is likely the “son of Rocks.” This implies that the major plotline of ONE PIECE was decided early on.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Oda’s planning is indeed impressive.
The creator of the Davy Back Fight is said to be Davy Jones, a pirate from the deep sea. This suggests the game is quite ancient. Though Hody Jones of the New Fish-Man Pirates shares a similar name, it’s unclear if Davy Jones is a Fish-Man.
Nevertheless, the connection between Joy Boy and the Ancient Weapon Poseidon hints at a significant background tied to the Void Century.
The Rocks Pirates were annihilated in the God Valley Incident 38 years ago?
On the other hand, the “disappearance of the Rocks Pirates” was also heavily foreshadowed.
At that time, the Rocks Pirates were said to have “deceived the World Government like a terrorist organization,” making it easy to understand if you think of them as an even more heinous version of the Revolutionary Army led by Monkey D. Dragon. However, 38 years ago, the Rocks Pirates were annihilated on God Valley Island.
On God Valley Island, there were Celestial Dragons and a large number of slaves, a mysterious island the World Government wanted to conceal. Thus, it’s speculated that Captain Rocks’ scheme for “profit” involved something about God Valley Island.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
However, because the Marines Vice Admiral Garp, an old favorite character, and Gol D. Roger, who would later become the Pirate King, happened to team up on God Valley Island, Captain Rocks was defeated. This achievement has led to Garp being currently regarded as a “hero of the Marines.”
This incident where the Rocks Pirates were destroyed is commonly referred to as the “God Valley Incident.” However, few know about the God Valley Incident.
“Rocks’ Profit Scheme” and “God Valley Island”
From the World Government’s perspective, the fact that the Marines teamed up with the future Pirate King was also a fact they wanted to erase. Because of this, the name of the Rocks Pirates has also disappeared from the world. Since even history (the Void Century) can be erased from the memory of people worldwide, erasing the record of a single pirate crew would be easy.
However, after the defeat of the Rocks Pirates, God Valley Island disappeared, and it has been revealed that this was due to an attack by Imu‘s ability (Ancient Weapon Uranus?).
In fact, looking at the end of ‘ONE PIECE FILM RED’, and considering the background when “Red-Haired” Shanks was picked up by Roger, God Valley Island still existed and had not disappeared. Since Celestial Dragons and slaves were present on God Valley Island, Imu‘s actions seem inexplicable.
What exactly was Captain Rocks trying to do on God Valley Island? What kind of profit scheme was he thinking of? Why did Imu cause God Valley Island to disappear?
Rocks D. Xebec… Captain of the Rocks Pirates (Deceased)
Let me now introduce the members of the Rocks Pirates.
First is the captain of the Rocks Pirates, Rocks D. Xebec. His role was “Captain.” Currently, he is only seen in silhouette, and his true face is unknown. His age and voice actor are also unknown, but it is highly likely that he will appear in some past storyline.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Rocks was also part of the Family of D. He made the pirate island Hachinosu his base and aimed to become the “King of the World.” Committing all sorts of evil deeds, Rocks formed the Rocks Pirates with the goal of “some profitable venture.” In other words, he did not seem to have the intent to reach Laugh Tale and obtain the ONE PIECE.
It is not clear how strong Rocks was in reality, but at the very least, his ability to keep winning in the Davy Back Fight showcases his prowess.
The place the Rocks Pirates aimed for was “God Valley.” However, because Garp and Roger, who happened to be there, teamed up, Rocks was ultimately defeated and killed. After that, the members of the Rocks Pirates scattered, with each either joining or forming their own pirate crews.
Considering that Imu caused the disappearance of God Valley, one might wonder if Rocks was truly a villain. Although his silhouette looks incredibly evil, there’s a chance he might have been a surprisingly cheerful and good-natured person. In fact, being of the Family of D‘s bloodline, he might have been one of the “kings the Sea Kings wished for.”
Kaidou and Big Mum… Members of the Rocks Pirates (Both Possibly Deceased?)
On the other hand, although Garp and Roger destroyed the Rocks Pirates, only the captain Rocks and a few others died. Many of the other members survived and later rose to become fearsome pirates reigning in the New World.
For example, Kaidou of the Beasts, leader of the Beast Pirates, and Big Mum (Charlotte Linlin), leader of the Big Mum Pirates, are prime examples.
Just before the Wano Country Arc and the Levely Arc began, Big Mum left a meaningful comment, “Let’s get along! Just like old days…!” which referred to their time in the Rocks Pirates. Kaidou also called her “Linlin,” using her first name, indicating their past connection.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Big Mum, being about nine years older, treated Kaidou like a “younger brother” at that time. The fact that Big Mum gave Kaidou the Fish-Fish Fruit (Model: Azure Dragon) is something she still boasts about, indicating they had a good relationship despite their frequent clashes during their time in the Rocks Pirates.
Was Kaidou abducted during the God Valley incident?
However, after the God Valley incident, Kaidou suddenly disappeared from the scene, leading Big Mum to be furious at that time, and their interactions became almost nonexistent afterward.
Incidentally, Kaidou was later subjected to human experimentation by Vegapunk on Punk Hazard Island, so it is unclear if Kaidou escaped of his own will. Given that Big Mum was 30 years old when the Rocks Pirates were destroyed 38 years ago, Katakuri and others were already born by that time.
However, in Wano Country, Kaidou was defeated by Luffy, who had awakened Gear 5 (Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika), and Big Mum was defeated by Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid. Both have fallen from the position of the Four Emperors and likely died after falling into a magma pool.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard)… Rocks Pirates Member (Deceased)
The next member of the Rocks Pirates is Edward Newgate (Whitebeard). He was the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates and the most powerful user of the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. His bounty exceeded 5 billion berries, rivaling Roger, making him practically a Pirate King in his own right.
However, he was killed two years ago during the Marineford War by Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard). Whitebeard was 72 years old at the time of his death. The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was also taken by Blackbeard. Currently, he rests in his homeland of Sphinx, beside Ace’s grave.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
There are very few episodes depicting Whitebeard’s time with the Rocks Pirates, but it is shown that he indirectly recruited Kaidou, telling him that “Rocks wants to meet you.”
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
It is unclear when exactly he joined the Rocks Pirates, but it is likely that the Whitebeard Pirates were already formed by the time he was 28, 44 years ago, as he had grown a significant beard by then.
Notably, the flashbacks seen during the Marineford War did not depict him as a member of the Rocks Pirates.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Whitebeard’s rival was Pirate King Roger. There aren’t many episodes featuring the two of them, but they certainly faced each other at the God Valley Incident 38 years ago, in the “Rocks Pirates vs. Roger Pirates” battle. This might have been the start of their friendship.
Shiki the Golden Lion… Rocks Pirates Member (Alive)
The next member of the Rocks Pirates is Shiki the Golden Lion. He was the main antagonist in the 2009 film “ONE PIECE FILM STRONG WORLD.” Due to an unfortunate incident, he has a ship’s steering wheel stuck in his head, which never fails to amuse me.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Despite his ridiculous appearance, he was one of the most powerful pirates, rivaling Gol D. Roger. There was a time when it was a three-way struggle for power between Roger, Whitebeard, and Shiki. The Battle of Edd War, where Roger’s ship, the Oro Jackson, fought against Shiki’s massive fleet, is particularly famous.
Given this, it’s quite surprising that Shiki was defeated by Luffy, who had not yet mastered Gear Fourth or awakened Haoshoku Haki at the time. However, 24 years ago, doubting the news of Roger‘s capture, Shiki single-handedly stormed Marineford to fight Garp and Sengoku.
Though he wreaked havoc, causing half of Marineford to be destroyed, he was ultimately defeated and imprisoned in Impel Down Level 6. He escaped two years later by cutting off his own legs. Twenty years after that, he faced Luffy in Merveille and was defeated again.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Therefore, Shiki is still alive, and it is speculated that he might be imprisoned in Impel Down once more. This leaves room for the possibility of Shiki reappearing in the main story of ONE PIECE if the episodes involving the Rocks Pirates are further explored.
Miss Buckin (Buckingham Stussy)… Rocks Pirates (Alive)
Next, we have another former member of the Rocks Pirates: Buckingham Stussy, commonly known as “Miss Buckin.” She is 76 years old and stands 68 cm tall.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Miss Buckin is considered the mother of former Seven Warlords of the Sea member, Edward Weevil. She claims to be the lover of Whitebeard (Edward Newgate), which leads to the belief that Weevil is the child born between her and Whitebeard.
As mentioned earlier, Whitebeard was also a former member of the Rocks Pirates, so their connection dates back to their time in the crew. In fact, with only a two-year age difference between Buckin and Whitebeard, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were romantically involved.
Former Whitebeard Pirates member Marco also recalled, “Weevil’s mother Buckin is a former pirate. She was on the same ship as the father (Whitebeard) about 40 years ago.” The Rocks Pirates disbanded 38 years ago, so this aligns with most of the predictions in the ONE PIECE fandom.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Clues that Miss Buckin was part of the Rocks Pirates: Clone-Clone Fruit
One clue that Miss Buckin was part of the Rocks Pirates comes from the Wano Country flashback.
In this flashback, Kurozumi Higurashi, a user of the Clone-Clone Fruit, activates her ability. From the appearance of Shiki the Golden Lion in the bottom right corner, seen in ‘ONE PIECE FILM: Strong World,’ it suggests that the blonde beauty was also likely a member of the Rocks Pirates.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Initially, the blonde beauty was speculated to be Kozuki Toki, but it turned out to be a young Miss Buckin. Despite her current appearance as a small, shriveled old woman, it wouldn’t be surprising if Whitebeard saw her as a romantic interest nearly 40 years ago.
However, it is unclear if Weevil was actually conceived from a relationship between the two.
This is because the Rocks Pirates disbanded 38 years ago, whereas Weevil was born 35 years ago. After the disbandment, Whitebeard was leading his own ship, creating a three-year gap.
It’s possible that Miss Buckin temporarily joined the Whitebeard Pirates, but based on Marco’s recollections, it seems unlikely that they had contact after the Rocks Pirates disbanded.
Miss Buckin was a Scientist in MADS
It has also been revealed that Miss Buckin was a former member (or freeloader) of the illegal scientific group MADS.
Ostensibly a peaceful research institute led by the dark loan king Du Feld, MADS was actually headed by Dr. Vegapunk, the world’s greatest mind.
This means that Buckin had a side as a “scientist” (self-proclaimed). The exact timeline is unclear, but it seems she temporarily joined MADS after the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates (hence being described as a freeloader).
During the MADS period, the first “clone” developed by Vegapunk and his team was Stussy, who was once a member of CP0. As the name suggests, Stussy was a test subject created using Miss Buckin’s lineage factor.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Stussy’s appearance matches the face recreated by Kurozumi Higurashi. Since Buckin and Stussy are essentially the same person, Weevil’s unattractive appearance becomes more puzzling. However, it makes sense if Weevil is considered a “clone human” independently created by Buckin.
In other words, Buckin applied the cloning technology from MADS, but due to her lack of skill as a scientist, Weevil did not resemble Whitebeard and had a patched-up, unattractive appearance. However, he inherited only Whitebeard’s strength, so the clone wasn’t remade.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Captain John… A member of the Rocks Pirates (Deceased)
Next up is a member of the Rocks Pirates, Captain John.
Captain John appeared once in the Thriller Bark arc, but as a zombie controlled by Gecko Moria, indicating that he is currently deceased. He was known for his fondness for alcohol, always carrying a bottle, and his distinctive purple long hair and somewhat chinless face.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
According to a supplementary book called ‘BLUE DEEP,’ it is said that he was “killed by his comrades.” This suggests that he was likely killed by someone within the Rocks Pirates. Did he not participate in the God Valley incident? Was he betrayed during the God Valley Incident?
The late Absalom referred to him as “infamously notorious in his lifetime,” indicating that he was a notorious figure as a former member of the Rocks Pirates. However, since the name of the Rocks Pirates is virtually unknown, this must refer to events after he left the crew 38 years ago.
Additionally, Captain John has a connection with the current Four Emperor, Buggy.
Buggy has been searching for “Captain John’s treasure” for a long time. In volume 25 of the comics, which contains many foreshadowing elements, he was exploring a cave in search of John’s treasure. In Impel Down, Luffy handed Buggy a treasure mark indicating the location of John’s treasure in exchange for his help in rescuing Ace.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Considering Buggy has risen to the rank of Four Emperors and the increased prominence of the Rocks Pirates, Captain John’s past might eventually be revealed.
Silver Axe… A member of the Rocks Pirates (Deceased?)
The next member of the Rocks Pirates is Silver Axe. While his name suggests a character who fights with a massive silver axe, not much is known about him at this time.
Given that Captain John subtly appeared in ONE PIECE before, it’s possible that Silver Axe has already appeared as well.
A plausible theory is that he could be related to “Axe-Hand” Morgan, possibly his father or grandfather. Morgan, a character known for wielding an axe, was a seemingly formidable Marine captain who was ultimately defeated by Luffy in the early series.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Despite his tough appearance, he turned out to be a rather despicable character, taking his son Helmeppo hostage in a failed escape attempt. While his current status is unknown, being Helmeppo’s father and a former Marine captain suggests a potentially powerful lineage. Helmeppo’s unexpected strength could be attributed to inheriting the legacy of Silver Axe, a former member of the Rocks Pirates. This lineage might be explored further, possibly leading to a confrontation between Helmeppo and Silver Axe.
Ochoku… A member of the Rocks Pirates (Deceased)
The next member of the Rocks Pirates is Ochoku. Like Silver Axe, only his name is known, but recent revelations link him to significant events.
The Rocky Port Incident, orchestrated by the Worst Generation’s Trafalgar Law, also involved Marine captain Koby, who was hailed as a hero for saving civilians. The incident took place on Pirate Island Hachinosu, which was the base of the Rocks Pirates.
According to Blackbeard, after the death of Rocks D. Xebec, Pirate Island Hachinosu was controlled by Ochoku. This suggests that Ochoku was alive until relatively recently, only to be defeated by Blackbeard during the Rocky Port Incident. This underscores Blackbeard‘s formidable prowess.
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
Why did Ochoku remain on Hachinosu after the dissolution of the Rocks Pirates?
In “HUNTERxHUNTER,” there were three characters named the Royal Guard, and the first two characters of their names were “Ochoku.” This might imply that Ochoku was a direct subordinate of Rocks, tasked with continuing Rocks’ unfulfilled dreams.
Alternatively, if Ochoku were a Celestial Dragon, his name could suggest a direct royal lineage, potentially connecting him to Imu. This would position Ochoku as a direct descendant of the ruling class, named after the royal family.
Shakuyaku as a member of the Rocks Pirates?
In summary, the confirmed members of the Rocks Pirates are Rocks, Whitebeard, Kaidou, Big Mum, Shiki the Golden Lion, John, Silver Axe, and Ochoku, totaling eight members.
These members are legendary, but another possible former member is Shakuyaku (commonly known as Shakky).
ONE PIECE Eiichiro Oda / VIZ Media LLC
In chapter 1059 of ONE PIECE, it was revealed that Shakuyaku was the former captain of the Kuja Pirates. Shakuyaku retired from piracy “40 years ago,” coinciding with Rocks’ death 38 years ago. The fact that she is still being pursued by Garp, who crushed the Rocks Pirates, supports this theory.
Moreover, Shakuyaku is currently the de facto wife of Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Roger Pirates. Although there is a two-year gap, it is plausible that during the God Valley Incident, where the Rocks Pirates clashed with the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh might have saved Shakuyaku, leading her to quit piracy altogether.
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