One Piece fans may have already met Rocks D. Xebec, and he could be a member of Shanks' crew

Modified Jul 15, 2024 06:15 GMT

One Piece fans may have already met Rocks D. Xebec, and he could be a member of Shanks' crew (Images via Toei Animation)

Throughout the One Piece world, Shanks, the captain of the Red Hair pirates, remains one of the most mysterious characters. Since the beginning of the series, there have been few revelations about the Emperor. The introduction of Rocks D. Xebec to the One Piece storyline has fueled theories suggesting that Shanks could be the son of Rocks.

Rocks D. Xebec was a pirate during the time of Gol D. Roger, whose ambition was to become the King of the World. However, he was defeated at the hands of Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp at God Valley and was presumed dead by former Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

A recent theory has surfaced, pointing out similarities between a member of the Red Hair Pirates and Rocks D. Xebec. This theory speculates that the latter could be alive and now part of the crew of the Emperor.

Disclaimer: This article contains the author's opinions. Readers' discretion is advised.

One Piece: Clues hinting at Rocks D. Xebec's survival

Rocks D. Xebec (Image via Toei Animation)

Eiichiro Oda has hinted in two SBS that the greatest enemy ever will be a lurking legend related to Whitebeard, who will have red hair and make his move soon. This has led to speculation that Xebec, also known as Rocks D. Xebec, might still be alive and could be Rockstar in disguise.

The chapter introducing Rockstar also featured Whitebeard and Sengoku, and its title was "Please Remember." Rockstar was a significant pirate back in the day and has been part of Shanks' crew since post-Alabasta. Despite this, he did not appear during the Marineford War but was shown reacting to Luffy defeating Doflamingo in the Chapter 838 cover story. Rockstar did not appear to fear Whitebeard, and he was even ready to fight him.

Red Hair Shanks as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Both Shanks and Xebec share the same Gorowasei number play, 4 8 9, with "Shanks" translating to 4=Shi, 8=Ya, 9=Ku, and "Rocks D. Xebec" as 4=Ji, 8=Be, 9=Ku. When comparing Rockstar's silhouette to Xebec's, their clothing appears identical. Rockstar received his bounty and formal introduction before the rest of Shanks' crew, and he had his bounty revealed before Shanks.

Despite not being an officer of Shanks' crew, Rockstar is tasked with more jobs and has more plot relevance than other members, such as Lucky Roo. This is similar to Massacre Soldier Killer, who is also known as Kamazou the Manslayer, suggesting a pattern where names and roles overlap, indicating that Rockstar and Rocks D. Xebec might be the same person.

One Piece: The possibility of Rocks D. Xebec being Shanks' father

There is also speculation that Xebec might be Shanks' father. While it is assumed that Garling Figarland is Shanks' father and has red hair, this has not been confirmed, and Garling's hair isn't shaded in illustrations, leading to speculation that Garling's hair could be white.

Sengoku, Garp, and the Gorosei refer to Shanks disrespectfully as "red-haired," which wouldn't make sense if he matched Garling's red hair. They wouldn't mock Shanks so openly if they shared the same distinctive trait.

Celestial Dragons as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Rocks committed a sin so grave that he was erased from history rather than just killed. It is speculated that Xebec may have had a relationship with a Celestial Dragon woman, possibly Garling's daughter or sister, making Shanks their child.

Garling might have planned to marry his daughter to someone else but discovered the relationship between Xebec and the Celestial Dragon, leading to the plan to execute Shanks. The name Figarland Garling could be a reference to "The Marriage of Figaro," a play by Mozart about forbidden love between a noblewoman and a peasant, hinting that Xebec was the peasant in this scenario.

This narrative aligns with Oda's tendency to draw from history and literature. The greatest sin against a Celestial Dragon would be proving their mortality and humanity by intermingling and breeding with common folk like pirates, such as Xebec.

One Piece: Pros and Cons of Shanks' Parentage

Edward Newgate in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

If Xebec were revealed to be Shanks' father, it would further highlight the evil of the Celestial Dragons and provide a plot twist by showing Xebec as a potentially good character, explaining why Whitebeard followed him and later created a family.

This revelation would also establish Shanks as a "D." and the son of Rocks D. Xebec, a man idolized by Blackbeard, emphasizing Xebec's strength in battling Roger and Garp. Additionally, it would mean that Shanks could be a triple agent, warning the Gorosei about Rockstar or providing them with misinformation.

On the other hand, if Garling is confirmed as Shanks' father, the narrative could be less exciting. This scenario might lack the depth and complexity that Xebec being Shanks' father would provide, making the story potentially more mundane.