One Piece fans once believed Whitebeard was among the most honorable characters until God Valley proved that he’s just another selfish pirate.
The God Valley Flashback in Elbaph Arc exposed the truth behind Rocks D. Xebec’s personality, revealing that he wasn’t a terrible or cruel person, unlike what the Marines led us to believe. However, the Rocks Pirates remained a treacherous bunch, and this included Whitebeard. Fans are rather disappointed in the former Emperor for abandoning his captain.
Whitebeard is one of the greatest characters in One Piece, regarded as a man of strength and honor. Although his goals might not align with Rocks, he fought beside him in God Valley. However, during his most vulnerable moment, Whitebeard also left his captain behind. Through this act, Eiichiro Oda has defied what we knew of his character in the series. However, it’s not entirely surprising that this happened.
The Rocks Pirates, Even Whitebeard, Did Not Care About Rocks
Many fans might regard the Blackbeard Pirates as the most true pirate crew in One Piece, but the Rocks Pirates are closer to how they really are and are rooted in causing chaos. Rocks D. Xebec earned their respect through his strength and determination, but his goal to become the King of the World wasn’t shared by others.
Let’s take the Straw Hat Pirates as an example. All of them have different end goals for their lives, such as Sanji finding the All Blue or Nami making a complete map of the world. However, they remain loyal to Luffy and believe in his dream to become the Pirate King. Even in the face of death, they wouldn’t lie about their love and loyalty to their captain.
The Straw Hat Pirates might have an undying bond, but the Rocks Pirates did not run that way, not even when Rocks himself told them that they could leave his crew if they wished. The crew did not stay out of loyalty to their captain or because they believed they could take down Mary Geoise. It’s because he was their best bet at achieving their own dreams.
It’s easier to accept that Big Mom, Shiki, and Kaido were incredibly selfish pirates, considering their personalities haven’t changed a lot. However, Whitebeard’s behavior stings the most.
He’s shown loyalty and respect towards friends and rivals alike, as proven with Oden and Gol D. Roger, but refused to stay when Rocks was under Imu’s control and at his most vulnerable. However, Whitebeard did believe his captain had betrayed them.
One Piece Fans Are Disappointed in Whitebeard’s Abandonment of Rocks
The events that led up to Rocks D. Xebec’s death were violent and tragic. Imu transforming him into a demon through Domi Reversi was a move none of them could have predicted, but it only got worse when they commanded him to kill his wife and son.
In Chapter 1163, Rocks begins crying after failing to break free of Imu’s control, and begs Roger and Garp to kill him. It’s also after his entire crew ran away from him, believing he betrayed them.
Fans aren’t convinced that the Rocks Pirates couldn’t figure out that their captain was being controlled, saying that it was poor writing on Oda’s part to make them believe they were betrayed. However, Whitebeard running away made the least sense, considering he would never give up on people he’s close to.
Many fans criticize Eiichiro Oda’s decision to portray Whitebeard’s past in this way. His motivations aren’t fully fleshed out, other than we know he wants to build a family. However, recent chapters led us to believe he wouldn’t abandon Rocks and continue to stand his ground. Overall, after the Marineford Arc, Whitebeard’s writing has been inconsistent; that much is true.
What do you think of Whitebeard? Did he abandon Rocks, or was he fleeing from a fight he knew he wouldn’t win? Let us know in the comments below!
