15 Years After Ace, One Piece Author Oda Gives Fans The Most Tragic Death

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece‘s Elbaf Arc.

The popular manga One Piece is currently exploring the story arc set in Elbaf, and the author, Oda, is steadily unveiling exciting mysteries. The narrative is currently centered around a flashback detailing the life of the King of Elbaf and the character Loki. This flashback takes place 109 years in the past, meaning many sad events have occurred in the One Piece world since then. Fans have already witnessed several major character deaths, and chapter 1165 may have just delivered the most heartbreaking one yet.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, generally avoids killing off characters, but sometimes it’s necessary for the story. A major example of this was the death of Portgas D. Ace at Marineford, which remains one of the most heartbreaking moments for fans. Recently, Oda revealed another devastating death that deeply affected many viewers, proving that even after such a significant loss as Ace’s, things can still get worse in the world of One Piece.

Rocks D. Xebec’s Death In One Piece Chapter 1165 Was Tragic

Since Ace’s death, the passing of Rocks D. Xebec is arguably the most heartbreaking. Eiichiro Oda frequently has compelling characters meet their end, and Ace was a prime example. While Oda has written many deaths into the story, he consistently ensures those characters are treated with respect.

Roger, Garp, please kill me. End this! — Rocks D. Xebec, One Piece Chapter 1165

In the world of One Piece, characters often die with a peaceful expression, particularly those who are generally considered ‘good.’ Even though Ace’s death was incredibly sad, he still died smiling. Powerful figures like Whitebeard, Roger, and Oden all met their end with dignity and a smile. Almost every major character who has died in One Piece had a heroic or peaceful moment in their final moments, with Rocks D. Xebec being a notable exception.

In the world of One Piece, Rocks suffered a deeply tragic and disturbing death. He traveled to God Valley intending to save his family, and although he managed to rescue his wife and child, he was ultimately defeated by Imu. Despite once being a powerful opponent who dared to challenge Imu’s authority, Rocks was reduced to a helpless, mindless slave before his death.

Oda Draws Deaths With A Smile, Rocks Died In Misery

Watching Rocks, a powerful pirate, reduced to a puppet controlled by Domi Reversi was incredibly sad. Imu attempted to use Rocks to eliminate his own family, and although Rocks ultimately managed to do so, he was completely under the control of the World Government’s leader, capable of destroying everything at God Valley. Even while battling Roger and Garp, Rocks was visibly distressed and crying, clearly suffering deeply.

Man, seeing Rocks D. Xebec like that just wrecked me. Garp’s words in that moment – ‘I don’t know what I can say to console you now, but I can feel your sorrow!’ – it wasn’t about offering solutions, it was just pure empathy. It really hit me how much weight both of those guys were carrying, even as enemies. It was a surprisingly human moment, honestly.

It was heartbreaking, honestly. Rocks D. Xebec, the most powerful pirate of his time, was just… done. He begged Roger and Garp to end it for him. They did, and you could tell they really understood how much he was suffering. It’s so different from how most legends go out in One Piece – they usually die with a smile. But Rocks? He died crying, absolutely devastated with grief and sadness. It was a really powerful moment.

Rocks’s Will Lives On Even After His Death

Although Rocks D. Xebec perished at God Valley, his influence continued to be felt throughout history, and still resonates today through figures like Loki and Blackbeard. Despite his defeat, his followers are likely seeking revenge, and Loki continues to champion his ideals.

One Piece will have a break next week, and a new chapter (Chapter 1166) will be released on November 23, 2025. Fans can read it for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-11-12 15:34