Rocks D. Xebec is such a vibrant and bombastic character. I can almost hear his voice inside my head.
You hear that? Guess it was just the wind…
Anyway, let’s talk about this chapter.
It opens with Kid Loki getting hurt by Rocks—all to get Harald’s attention so he’d come back to Elbaph—then IMMEADIATELY transitions to another flashback.
The Reverie. Hmm… I wonder what Rocks thinks of the Reverie.
Rocks captured five kings to create a panic so he could sneak into Imu’s Chamber of Flowers. Makes me wonder if he had a chance to pump any of those kings for information.
Inside the Chamber of Flowers, Rocks confronts Imu—whom he seems to already know is the secret ruler of the world—and his female assistant(?) who looks to be Gunko. How the heck did Rocks learn of Imu? Good question. Let me know if you figure it out, because I haven’t got a clue.
I can only imagine what Rocks thinks of Imu.
Looks like Gunko’s no mere Holy Knight. But I guess it makes since Imu has someone tending to his every whim. And that person has to be a Celestial Dragon to help keep things secret.
It’s mentioned Rocks is a worshipper of Davy Jones. I never really thought about the character since his mention back during the Straw Hats Davy Back Fight against the Foxy Pirates. Seems like there’s more to Mr. Jones than I thought. Could he even had been a member of Joy Boy’s crew?!
Rocks leaves before Imu goes ham on the guy. But, not before promising to return, no doubt with the power to take the Empty Throne for himself.
King Harald’s trying to escape the Reverie seeing as his desire to have diplomatic talks didn’t go well. Hard to establish relations with people who want to make you a slave or straight up murder then stuff you to put on display.
Harald cross paths (and swords) with Rocks who’s also trying to escape Marijoa. Yes. That scene is only there to show how powerful the two are. And, Yes. It doesn’t matter because it’s still awesome!
My guess is Rocks confronted Imu just to see if the guy was real. Learning there really was a secret world ruler, Rocks set his global takeover plans into motion. What I find interesting is Rocks going in the pirating business as part of his ultimate plan. If that’s the case…what was he doing before he became a pirate? Hmm…
Using the Davy Back Fight, Rocks assembled a crew of powerhouses. That’s actually a really great idea. Take the best pirates from other crews to create your own. Nice thinking, Rocks!
Rocks and Harald reunite on Elbaph and, of course, Rocks wants to team-up with Harald in order to destroy the World Government. He gives a decent argument why they should join forces.
Despite that, Harald declines. The giant rather be a force for peace than war. We’re also introduced to members of Rocks’ crew. Some we know like Whitebeard and Stussy. Most we don’t. From their profiles, Rocks made sure to create a well-rounded crew that’s both powerful and knowedgable in various illegal areas. Rocks is no dummy. He even made Fullalead Island his base of operations!
Years later, Blackbeard does the same. If you haven’t figured it out, BB’s following his dad’s world domination playbook while making some changes here and there where necessary for success.
Loki overhears Rocks’ ambitious talks to Harald, lighting a pirates fire under the kid. Loki’s officially a Rockhead. Yeah, Rocks stans are called “Rockheads”. What? You didn’t know?
This was a great chapter! How can it not be seeing Rocks’ determination to seize the world for himself. Sure, he didn’t succeed, but we don’t know how close he got to accomplishing his dream. Without knowing all the details, I think the only things Rocks lacked was an Ancient Weapon and the One Piece. Not sure if gathering powerful devil fruits was part of Rocks’ original plan or Blackbeard’s new plan to ensure victory. Guess we’ll find out later.
Man, I wish I could ask Rocks what exactly motivated him to do everything he did. Why? Why did you decide to take on the entire world? What gave you the energy to keep pursing your goals day in and day out? What, Rocks D. Xebec, is the secret to your success?!
Mammoth Base Opera Castle 