This article may contain potential spoilers for the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
In just a few short chapters, Loki's flashback in the Elbaf arc has already shot up the ranks as perhaps the greatest in all of One Piece. Not only has it made some titanic reveals about some of the most important figures in the history of the world, but there have been tons of implications about where the story is likely to go in the future. This flashback seems to perfectly set up the legendary God Valley Incident.
Because of this, fans already have context and are aware of what transpires regarding the new fan-favorite character, Rocks D. Xebec. However, a wrench may have been thrown into this whole thing that could explain how Rocks met his end on God Valley. So, in this article, let's go over the major events revealed in Chapter 1157 of One Piece to see why fans could expect one of the greatest betrayals in history.
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Chapter 1157 Teases That Harald May Have Helped In Taking Down Rocks
A Flawed Friendship
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Harald's First Appearance |
One Piece, Chapter 1136, "The Land That Awaits The Sun" |
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Rocks' First Appearance |
One Piece, Chapter 957, "Ultimate" |
Ever since the start of this incredible flashback, it had been teased that Rocks and Harald shared quite a hilarious dynamic that each of them viewed differently. While Rocks viewed the King of Elbaf as a dear and close friend, Harald considered Rocks a good-for-nothing fiend who was always pestering him to join his legendary pirate crew. However, it can't be denied that this complex relationship was founded on respect.
Both legends greatly respected one another's strength, which could be seen from the moment they clashed in Marijoa during the Reverie all those decades ago. From there, Rocks was convinced that Harald was destined to become a great ally of his, prompting him to keep on returning to Elbaf many times in the following years in hopes of recruiting his friend into his crew. However, Harald always turned him away, calling him a scoundrel, though Chapter 1157 showed them conversing over drinks and speaking as friends do.
Your whole nation should be joining up with me! Come on, Harald! Give it up! I can't stand seein' ya grovel to the Government anymore!
This shows that, even though Harald was wary of the man, Rocks' respect and friendship towards the Giant was genuine, and even though he may have never admitted it, Harald likely saw him as a friend and confidant too. This is why the final panel of Chapter 1157 may hint at the greatest betrayal in history. Concurrently with all these events happening, it was revealed that Harald always wished to make Elbaf a member nation of the World Government due to the security it would ensure and the peaceful relations it would entail.
However, Elbaf was always under consideration for many years on end. Finally, the Gorosei decided that the only way for the Giants of Elbaf to come under the fold of the World Government was for them to kill Rocks. Another important detail to remember in this chapter is that Shakky was revealed to be the crown jewel of Hachinosu, and that her kidnapping was likely the reason behind the Rocks' Pirates' arrival on God Valley.
So, as it happens, the common theory is that, upon realizing the Celestial Dragons had kidnapped Shakky and brought her to God Valley, the Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates both went there to save her, which is where the captains of these crews finally met, along with Garp, for the greatest battle that has been lost to history. It's likely that, over here, the Giants of Elbaf, led by Harald, also made a surprise appearance in hopes of taking down the legendary pirate so that they could join the World Government.
This would be a tragic and incredible twist to the whole thing, as it would show the end to the complex friendship shared between Rocks and Harald. Of course, a lot of this theory is based on heavy speculation, but it is well-founded. If it is revealed that it was the combined might of Roger, Garp, and Harald that took down Rocks, it should remove all doubts that Rocks D. Xebec was the greatest pirate and strongest character of all time.
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The Reasons Against This Theory Sound More Likely Than The Alternative
Why This Likely Didn't Happen
- As crazy of a twist as this would be, it's unlikely.
It's no secret that all Harald wanted was safety for his homeland and for his people to prosper, so it makes perfect sense why he always worked to make Elbaf join the World Government. However, the only condition for doing so was to kill Rocks, and despite how much he annoyed Harald, it's almost impossible to think that someone with such an upstanding moral character as Harald would have killed someone he, at the very least, deeply respects.
It seems that Harald likely never went through with this plan, since Elbaf is still considered a non-member nation to this day. Of course, it's far more likely that whatever happened after the God Valley Incident may have played a much larger part when it came to the mysterious events behind Harald's death, since Imu implied as such when they arrived on Elbaf, since they seemed to have known the late king.
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One Piece
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
