One Piece Theories: Blackbeard’s Connection to Rocks D. Xebec
- Blackbeard Theories, Part 6
Connection to Rocks D. Xebec
I have seen a lot of people talking about a possible connection between Teach and Xebec. I’m going to be exploring the possible validity behind this theory.
Establishing a Timeline
For starters, let’s look at the established timeline.
Teach was born in 1484, which is the same year that the Rocks Pirates were said to be terrorizing the world (Ch. 907). In addition, when God’s Valley Incident was said to have occurred (in 1486), Teach would have been around 2 years old.
Many of the theories suggest that perhaps Teach is Rocks D. Xebec’s son. At a glance, this does fit in the timeline. Some people refute this by pointing out that the two don’t share the same last name. However, as seen with Ace, who took his mother’s last name, that doesn’t disprove that they could be related.
At the very least, Teach appears to be following in the man’s footsteps (whether that be purposeful or unknowing). For instance,
· Teach’s main ship is called the “Saber of Xebec”
· He is currently occupying Hachinosu as his main base of operations, the same place where the Rocks pirates were supposedly formed over 40 years ago
· Both are described as power hungry individuals
· Probably one of the most interesting tidbits, is Teach’s laugh. We all know that Oda loves to give each character their own unique laugh and Teach is no different. His is “Xehahahaha”. Now, we all know that Oda loves to foreshadow and hide clues. Could the “xe” in his laugh, be referencing Xebec?
Addendum - The Shanks Connection: Finally, I did a deeper analysis of Teach’s personality in an earlier part of these set of theories. While doing so, I mentioned his confrontation with Shanks that ended with the red haired pirate’s scar over his eye. I discussed what could possible drive Teach to this, since it was established by Shanks himself that he’s not going to do anything unless he sees an opportunity for power. There is a theory out there, that perhaps it is not Teach who shares a familial connection to Xebec, but Shanks. I know it may be odd me discussing a theory within a theory (theory inception), but just hear me out. There have been several instances in the recent years that support that Shanks had been on the Jolly Roger since he was very young. For starters, we know from the canon, that by the time Shanks was 9 (in 1494), he and Buggy were already members of the Roger Pirates (Ch. 964). In the most recent flashback chapters (Ch. 958 - Ch. 973), when Roger first meets Oden’s children, he says “It’s been a while since I last held a baby!”. This, by itself, wouldn’t necessarily raise any eyebrows. I mean he is a pirate. However, it is Silver Rayleigh’s comment a few scenes later that make it apparent that this is important. He says, “That reminds me of the past...”. This seems to indicate that in the past there has been a baby on the ship. It doesn’t necessarily confirm that it was Shanks, but if you use common sense, it has to be either Shanks or Buggy.
That also reminds me of the fact that, in Chapter 958, Oden refers to Shanks as “tarou”, a suffix usually used for first sons (source: Library of Ohara). While it is used as a joke, to make Buggy angry, Oda is famous for hiding important things in throw away lines.
As I’ve said before, the fact that any of Teach’s motivations and plans parallel Xebec’s so much, is not a coincidence. I definitely believe that Teach is, at least, aware of Xebec’s existence (though how he would know this, is still a mystery, if he is, in fact, not his son). Perhaps he idolizes the man or feels a sense of connection. All we do know is that at some point from 1500 to 1511, Teach gives Shanks his scar. If Shanks is Xebec’s son, I believe that would give Teach motive in attacking him (and, as we’ve established, Teach is a man who always has a motive for doing something).
His Special Body
I think out of all of the Blackbeard theories I’ve read, this is the one I see the most discussed. Somehow Teach is able to wield more than one Devil Fruit, a feat that would kill a normal person. The conclusion? Teach is not a normal person. Or, at least, his body isn’t normal. Marco even describes it as “atypical”.
The general census I see on the internet, and probably the Blackbeard theory with the most validity, is that he has a condition that makes basically makes it so that he has more than one “body” inside of his own. Two possible explanations could be Fetus in Fetu or Chimera Disease.
Some suggest, that with Fetus in Fetu, Teach could have twins growing inside of his own body. This would allow him to possible possess three devil fruits. This is supported by Blackbeard’s flag, which shows three scowling skulls.
His Country of Origin
It is a very common theory, and almost an accepted truth to many fans that Teach hails from an Ice Country.
This theory all goes back to a comment Luffy made during the Drum Island Arc in Chapter 134. He says that “people who live in snow countries don’t sleep” because “if they fall asleep, they’ll die”. More than 800 chapters later (in chapter 966), when we get a flashback to the Whitebeard vs. Roger fight we get a discussion between Shanks and Buggy, where Buggy says that Teach “didn’t sleep during the truce” they had for the “last few days”. He then goes on to say that there’s a rumor that “[Teach has] never slept in his life”.
Now, even though this theory has a lot of clout within the fandom, it still has not been confirmed within the story or by Oda himself. However, given Oda’s history of foreshadowing, I personally feel that this theory has a large chance of being true. So, if it is true, this still leaves a lot of speculation and questions that need answers.
· Is this ‘ice country’ where Whitebeard found him? Or had Teach somehow found himself on a different country/island by then?
· Which ‘ice island’ would be most likely his country of origin?
That’s it? That’s all we’ll see of Izou’s story? He won’t even try to follow Oden? C’mon Oda, you should’ve shown us more about what made him choose Whitebeard’s crew!
I really hope we’ll see what’s going on in his head at the point when Oden returns to Wano yet he doesn’t.
