The dynamics of the God Valley Incident in the One Piece manga are gradually being revealed. 38 years ago, the Celestial Dragons selected the island of the same name to host a cruel tournament where humans were hunted. Among the targets of this hunts were Kuma and Ivankov, young children at the time, along with a girl named Ginny.
Ginny, aware that the winners of the contest would receive valuable Devil Fruits as prizes, spread the news using a Transponder Snail. This caught the attention of both the Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates. Both crews made their way to God Valley, while Monkey D. Garp also arrived on the island to put a stop to them. Eventually, Garp and Roger joined forces to confront Rocks D. Xebec.
During the God Valley Incident, the Rocks Pirates were defeated by an extraordinary alliance. It is said that Xebec perished and the entire island of God Valley vanished without a single clue. With the recent revelation in One Piece chapter 1096, this post will disclose the prominent figures who participated in this momentous event and rank their strength accordingly.
Note: This article contains significant spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1096.
The strongest characters who fought in God Valley, ranked as of One Piece chapter 1096
17) Captain John
This image depicts Captain John as a zombie, years after his demise (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece).
As a distinguished member of the Rocks Pirates, John possessed exceptional swordsmanship skills, evident through his utilization of two swords. Following the crew's defeat in the God Valley Incident, he established his own group of followers and gained recognition under the alias "Captain John".
16) Sunbell
Renowned for amassing a vast fortune, he gained widespread acclaim. Yet, his reign came to a tragic end when his followers rebelled and ended his life. Subsequently, his lifeless body came into the hands of Gecko Moria, who transformed him into a compliant zombie.
Displayed in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece), Sunbell, being a Fish-Man, undoubtedly exhibits tenfold the physical prowess of a typical human. Moreover, given his distinct prominence among the formidable Roger Pirates, it is reasonable to assume that he was an exceptionally formidable combatant.
The Roger Pirates can be seen as the older generation equivalent of the Straw Hats, as Gol D. Roger, Silvers Rayleigh, and Scopper Gaban mirror Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, and Vinsmoke Sanji, respectively. Given this comparison, it becomes evident that Sunbell serves as a parallel character to Jinbe.
15) Gloriosa
Gloriosa, depicted in the image provided by Toei Animation for the One Piece series, has gained fame as the previous Pirate Empress of Amazon Lily and the esteemed captain of the Kuja Pirates, predating Shakuyaku by a generation and Boa Hancock by three generations. At present, Gloriosa serves as a revered elder advisor to Hancock.
Gloriosa's remarkable agility even in her advanced years hints at her skills as a formidable fighter during her prime. Interestingly, during the God Valley Incident, she served as a member of the Rocks Pirates, highlighting her strength and prowess. As the most powerful Kuja of her generation, it is highly likely that Gloriosa possessed great proficiency in Haki.
14) Miss Buckingham Stussy
The replicated Stussy resembles the original (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
During their time on Xebec's crew, Stussy and Edward Newgate, the eventual leader of the Whitebeard Pirates, seemingly initiated a romantic involvement. Presently an elderly lady, Miss Buckingham Stussy asserts herself as the mother of Newgate's son, Edward Weevil.
The MADS group scientists once successfully developed an immaculate replica of Stussy with identical physical attributes and potential. It remains uncertain if the original Stussy possesses the same extraordinary abilities displayed by her cloned counterpart, which encompass expert utilization of Rokushiki, proficient handling of deceptive Seastone objects, and the capacity to conjure bat-like wings from her back and induce sleep through biting.
13) Ochoku
Ochoku wasn't turned into a zombie like other former Rocks Pirates (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
Also called Wang Zhi, Ochoku played a crucial role as a member of the Rocks Pirates. Following the disbandment of the crew after the God Valley Incident, Ochoku assumed control of Hachinosu, the Pirate Island located in the New World.
In the period of time known as the timeskip, Ochoku faced a challenge from Marshall D. Teach, also known as "Blackbeard." With unknown assistance from Marine SWORD officer Koby, Blackbeard ultimately overwhelmed Ochoku. This incident came to be referred to as the "Rocky Port Incident."
12) Bogard
Bogard as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
Throughout the series, Bogard, an officer at Marine Headquarters, has primarily been seen by Garp's side. He has accompanied Garp on his journeys to the New World in search of Roger and even took part in the God Valley Incident alongside the future "Marine Hero". While Bogard's specific abilities have not been fully revealed, indications suggest that he possesses exceptional swordsmanship skills. As Garp's trusted aide, it is assumed that Bogard is a remarkably skilled combatant.
11) Kaido
A young Kaido as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
In his earlier days with the Rocks Pirates, Kaido was not as formidable as he would later become. It was during his time as captain of the Beasts Pirates and as one of the Four Emperors that he gained a reputation as the World's Strongest Creature.
Around 38 years ago, Kaido was already a formidable fighter, although he had not yet acquired the powers of the Fish-Fish Fruit Model: Azure Dragon. It was not until the climax of the God Valley Incident that Kaido was bestowed with this valuable Devil Fruit by Big Mom.
Kaido possessed immense physical strength and was able to wield all three types of Haki, including the rare Color of Conqueror, as an adult. However, it is unclear if he possessed these abilities to the same extent when he was younger and less experienced.
Therefore, the extent of Kaido's strength during his early years as a pirate is uncertain. Considering his portrayal as a formidable figure even in his youth, it is likely that he was at least as powerful as a mid-high-tier Yonko Commander by the time of the God Valley Incident.
10) Scopper Gaban
Scopper Gaban as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
The Roger Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates are connected, with Roger and Rayleigh resembling older versions of Luffy and Zoro. Likewise, it is strongly suggested that Scopper Gaban is the equivalent of Sanji.
Thus, Gaban held the position of the third most powerful member in the Pirate King's crew, ranking below only Roger, the captain, and Rayleigh, the vice-captain. However, when Kozuki Oden joined the Roger Pirates on their final voyage, Gaban's ranking in terms of strength may have fallen to fourth place.
Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban are referred to as the "Metal Trio" due to their full names being associated with metals such as gold, silver, and copper. Although Gaban's strength has not received much emphasis, as a prominent member of the formidable Roger Pirates, he undoubtedly possesses exceptional combat skills.
9) Charlotte Linlin "Big Mom"
The image above shows Big Mom in God Valley, as depicted by Toei Animation in the anime series One Piece.
Before becoming the captain of the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Linlin was an important member of the formidable Rocks Pirates. While she may not have reached the pinnacle of her strength during this time, she was still a formidable force. In fact, her endurance and stamina at the age of 30 in God Valley may have even surpassed her 68-year-old self witnessed in the events unfolding in Wano.
Described as an anomaly for her formidable physique and extraordinary physical prowess, she also possessed the formidable abilities of the Advanced Conqueror's Haki and the Soul-Soul Fruit. This allowed her to summon Homies, formidable creatures that aided her in combat.
As time passed, Kaido would eventually surpass Linlin in strength. However, during those earlier years, she held greater power and regarded him as a beloved younger sibling. In a crucial act of salvation, she bestowed upon him the mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, enabling his survival during the God Valley Incident.
After Xebec's crew disbanded, Linlin assumed command of the Big Mom Pirates, ultimately earning a position among the Four Emperors. Her formidable strength manifested when she successfully withstood the onslaught of Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid's most powerful attacks, her defeat only resulting from the overwhelming odds of a 2v1 confrontation, as the two Supernovas managed to forcefully push her into the abyss.
8) Shiki
This image displays Shiki as depicted in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece).
Shiki, a prominent figure within the Rocks Pirates, managed to survive the God Valley Incident and eventually rose to the position of captain of his own crew, the Golden Lion Pirates. In a daring move, Shiki even dared to face off against Roger and his crew. However, tragedy struck during the Battle of Edd War as a sudden storm completely annihilated the Golden Lion Pirates.
Shiki faced a brutal defeat at the hands of Garp and Sengoku, having no chance against the combined strength of these two Navy officers. However, the clash between them was so intense that it resulted in the devastation of half of Marineford. Shiki, renowned for his mastery of the sword, possessed the ability to merge his two blades, Oto and Kogarashi, with the extraordinary powers of the Float-Float Fruit. With this fruit, he gained the capability to soar through the skies and manipulate any inanimate object he touched, regardless of its size or weight.
7) Saint Figarland Garling
Saint Figarland Garling's appearance 38 years ago (Image via Shueisha/Colored by JLjarx)
As a member of the prestigious Figarland Family and a Celestial Dragon, Saint Garling is known for his merciless and ruthless nature. Holding the title of Supreme Commander, he leads the Holy Knights, a group of nine highly skilled warriors dispatched by the World Government for punishing rebellious kingdoms.
On the battlefield, Saint Garling is a formidable opponent, wielding a long saber. With his esteemed position within the World Government, he is expected to excel in combat. It is noteworthy that 38 years prior to the current events of One Piece, he played a significant role in the God Valley Incident, demonstrating his leadership skills while commanding the Holy Knights.
6) Saint Jaygarcia Saturn
Not much else is currently known about his participation in the event. However, given the close association between his fame and the God Valley Incident, it can be inferred that he played a crucial part in it, demonstrating his exceptional combat skills.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn (Image courtesy of Shueisha/Colored by JLjarx)
As the Warrior God of Scientific Defense, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn is one of the Five Elders, the esteemed Celestial Dragons who hold the highest rank and serve directly under Imu-sama. Similar to the other Elders, he possesses immortality, or at the very least, he does not age at the same pace as ordinary humans.
Saturn's current appearance is remarkably similar to how he looked 38 years ago in God Valley, with no discernible differences. Whether through the power of a Zoan Devil Fruit or another ability, Saturn has the ability to transform into a monstrous being resembling the ushi-oni, a legendary creature from Japanese folklore.
Presently, Saturn effortlessly defeated Sanji, who is recognized as the third strongest member of the Straw Hat crew, as well as Jewelry Bonney, one of the Worst Generation Supernovas. Moreover, he endured a direct attack from Sabo's Fire Fist without sustaining any damage, despite Sabo's proficiency as a Logia user and his status as Monkey D. Dragon's right-hand man.
Saturn's sheer presence left fighters like Kizaru, Luffy, Zoro, and Lucci stunned mid-battle. It remains unclear whether Saturn actively participated in the God Valley Incident, but he was certainly present on the island at that time and portrayed as an extremely formidable opponent.
5) Silvers Rayleigh
Silvers Rayleigh, depicted during his prime, is widely regarded as one of the most formidable pirates ever to have sailed the seas. Serving as the right-hand man to Gol D. Roger and holding the esteemed position of second-in-command within the renowned Roger Pirates, his immense power is indisputable. Comparable to the legendary Pirate King himself, Rayleigh has earned the revered title of the "Dark King".
Rayleigh, a master of both swordsmanship and Haki, possesses incredible power. Author Eiichiro Oda compared Rayleigh's Conqueror's Haki to that of "Red Hair" Shanks, highlighting its exceptional level.
Even in his old age and retired from piracy, Rayleigh displayed immense strength by successfully fending off Navy Admiral Kizaru. Marshall D. Teach, an Emperor, chose to abandon his own ambitions rather than face Rayleigh, who was nearly 80 years old at the time. This suggests that, in his prime, the "Dark King" was even stronger than most Admirals and Emperors.
Unsurprisingly, Rayleigh was considered a legend of the same caliber as Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" by Monkey D. Garp. Approximately 38 years ago, Rayleigh was in his prime or close to it, making him one of the most formidable fighters in God Valley.
4) Edward Newgate "Whitebeard"
Edward Newgate, also known as "Whitebeard," showcased his prime strength during his time with the Whitebeard Pirates, a renowned crew in the One Piece world. Prior to his leadership role as captain, he had a noteworthy past as a member of the Rocks Pirates. While part of this notorious group, he displayed formidable power, being considered the second strongest member, with only Rocks D. Xebec surpassing him in might. (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
During his prime, which occurred around the time of the God Valley Incident, Newgate possessed the ability to merge the Advanced Conqueror's Haki with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, a Devil Fruit that granted him the power to create shockwaves and earthquakes of such magnitude that they had the potential to obliterate the entire world.
During this period, he displayed an equal level of combat prowess as Gol D. Roger, the renowned Pirate King. Newgate's exceptional Haki, immense physical strength, enduring stamina, and formidable Devil Fruit abilities made him undeniably one of the most formidable characters in the One Piece universe.
3) Monkey D. Garp
Despite the ravages of old age and illness, Newgate displayed an astonishing strength that persisted even decades later. Undeterred by the life-threatening injuries inflicted by the Navy Admirals, he valiantly fought on and delivered a devastating blow that almost brought Marineford to its knees.
During the God Valley Incident, Garp, depicted in the image via Toei Animation's One Piece, embarked on a mission 38 years prior to the present narration of the series. His goal was to confront Roger, but their encounter ultimately led them to realize they shared a common enemy in Xebec. Together, Garp and Roger joined forces and successfully overpowered Xebec.
Garp's reputation as the "Marine Hero" was solidified by this battle, and in the years that followed, he continued to showcase his exceptional fighting skills. He engaged in numerous intense encounters with Roger, coming dangerously close to fatally injuring each other multiple times.
Garp's ability to confront Roger, who was destined to become the Pirate King, was nothing short of remarkable. He possessed remarkable speed, resilience, and strength, enhancing his punches with Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, allowing him to unleash devastating strikes that earned him the moniker "The Fist".
Even in his advanced age, Garp possessed unmatched strength, capable of obliterating an entire town with a single blow and surpassing the likes of former Navy Admiral Kuzan "Aokiji" in combat prowess. It goes without saying that in his prime, Garp was an unstoppable force that few individuals could rival.
2) Gol D. Roger
The image above showcases Gol D. Roger in his appearance from the popular anime series One Piece, produced by Toei Animation.
In the historic event that took place at God Valley, Roger formed an alliance with Garp to overcome the formidable Rocks D. Xebec. In the years that followed, Roger achieved remarkable feats that remain unmatched even in the present day.
Roger, accompanied by his exceptional crew, successfully navigated and conquered the treacherous Grand Line. Their relentless journey led them to discover the highly sought-after Laugh Tale and uncover the fabled One Piece treasure. This remarkable achievement bestowed upon Roger the esteemed title of King of Pirates. Despite formidable adversaries such as Garp and Whitebeard, Roger met his end undefeated.
Harnessing the boundless potential of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, Roger coated his sword Ace, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, instilling it with unparalleled strength. Even while exercising restraint, he possessed the ability to effortlessly overpower the respected samurai and pirate, Kozuki Oden.
At his peak, Roger possessed the ability to engage in a fierce battle against Whitebeard, their clash of Haki-infused strikes creating an immense impact capable of shattering the surrounding environment and tearing apart the very sky.
1) Rocks D. Xebec
Rocks D. Xebec, depicted in the silhouette above (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece), was undoubtedly the most formidable character in the God Valley Incident, with ambitions that stretched to global domination. The World Government, gripped by terror, went to extreme measures, completely erasing any evidence of his existence.
Xebec, the captain of the infamous Rocks Pirates, commanded the mightiest crew of all time. During the God Valley Incident, Xebec had notable figures like Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom - three future Four Emperors - serving under him, along with other powerful pirates like Shiki.
The true extent of Xebec's abilities remains a mystery. However, the fact that both Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp had to join forces to defeat him suggests that Xebec possessed a strength surpassing even the most formidable top-tier individuals. Unsurprisingly, Xebec was regarded as the most formidable adversary the Pirate King had ever faced.
Be sure to keep up with One Piece's manga, anime, and live-action as 2023 progresses.
One PieceManga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast. |