The True Motivation Behind Garp and Roger’s Defense of Celestial Dragons from Rocks D. Xebec
It appears that the Celestial Dragons’ abhorrent nature extended far beyond mere arrogance; they engaged in triannual genocidal tournaments, a disturbing tradition that has likely spanned centuries.
The ominous notion arises that the Rocks Pirates might have leveraged this cruel custom to attempt to annihilate the Celestial Dragons once and for all. Could it be that they wanted to turn the tables on their oppressors?
The dynamics of predator and prey flip dramatically. Could it have taken a true monster to challenge existing ones? Hundreds may have rallied under Xebec’s feral leadership.
Yet, if the Celestial Dragons are as loathsome as portrayed, what motivated Roger to intervene against the Rocks Pirates? Were they genuinely worse?!
It’s likely.
While not instantly catastrophic, the impending tempest stirred by Xebec, Big Mom, and Kaido would have unleashed unrestrained chaos on the world. A realm under the dominion of the most notorious pirates.
This scenario might have been sufficient motivation for Roger to act and prevent the ensuing madness. However, perhaps Roger perceived the humanity within the Celestial Dragons?
The Baby in the Chest
Children should not have to bear the burden of their ancestors’ misdeeds.
Roger conveyed a similar sentiment to Garp years later, upon the birth of his son, Ace.
It’s hard to envision Roger ever harming a child. The flashbacks with Oden reveal his fondness for the youth, underscoring that instinctively, he would protect the innocence.
It’s tragic he couldn’t be there for his own son. But I wander off-topic.
Shanks was discovered by Roger after the tumultuous events at God Valley. Still, there would have been Celestial Dragon children present during that chaotic time. It’s likely that Roger felt none of them deserved a death sentence due to their lineage. They are not culpable for their birthright.
True, they can choose to sustain oppressive traditions, but the family they come from isn’t a choice.
Of course, diverging from traditional values does not bode well for them either.
Change is an arduous journey…
At least Shanks appeared to have a fair chance at growing into a noble person, raised by pirates of all circles…
He now seems to advocate for a better world for everyone.
Now, regarding how Shanks ended up in a treasure chest at all, I have a theory!
The Odd Man Out, Whitebeard
In stark contrast to Kaido and Big Mom, Whitebeard championed the principle of family over sheer power. He demonstrated this clearly during the Marineford incident where he prioritized the lives of his sons above his own.
Whitebeard often ranks among the most admirable fathers in the One Piece saga. While that isn’t an extensive benchmark…
In comparison to Kaido and Big Mom…
Undeniably, Whitebeard captures the title of Best Dad EVER!
Though he might have been a different man while part of the Rocks Pirates, I’m hesitant to believe that.
According to Marco, Whitebeard sent every berry he earned back to Sphinx Island, never interested in amassing wealth. He simply desired to create a better world for those dear to him.
This mindset could have been the reason Xebec enticed him to join his ranks.
As hinted in Big Mom’s flashback:
Trust within the Rocks Pirates was scant. However, the shared ambition of dismantling the World Government unified them in the quest for dominion. With Xebec reigning as king, they would each command their individual territories. This is something Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom eventually achieved as Emperors of the Sea in the New World.
Perhaps, at the tactical stage of the God Valley incident, Whitebeard perceived eradicating the Celestial Dragons as a viable action. Yet, in the moment of confrontation, he possibly mirrored Roger’s instincts and found himself incapable of exterminating innocent children.
Thus, he may have hidden baby Shanks in a treasure chest, which the Roger Pirates would later unearth.
As fellow Emperors, Whitebeard didn’t appear overly fond of Shanks. Maybe he found himself haunted by memories of that terrible day on God Valley?
There’s an intriguing theory floating around that Figarland Garling may have been responsible for scarring Whitebeard in the past. This enigmatic character appeared to be quite the fighter in his prime.
