As the flying Dutchman pulled into the docks of Jaya, Junbei sat on the Flying Dutchman’s look-out point’s railing, noticing the man sitting Charlotte climbed up to talk to the Captain. “I didn’t know you were up, Charlotte.” Junbei said, looking onto the town filled with a bustling pirate life. “Who would’ve thought that three months ago I came here as a stowaway and now I’m pirate Captain of a large vessel.” Junbei said smiling looking at the woman. “Idiot. You still got a long way to go before you call yourself a pirate Captain.” Charlotte said pouting.

Silence set between the two as they both enjoyed the smell of the seaside, hitting against the port as the water dripped off the sides of the Flying Dutchman. “Hey Junbei. Can I tell you a story?” Charlotte said, sitting down on the railing propping her back against Junbei. “I never wanted to live.” Charlotte said. “I spent my whole life being someone else property ya’ know. So, I never thought I’d ever see myself telling anyone this.” Charlotte said as tears started to stream from her eyes. “I’ve been poked, prodded and place in positions I can’t even tell people with my own lips because I don’t even know if those times are memories I want to revisit.” Charlotte said almost chuckling as she said it, not in a funny or comical way but it was so painful all should do was chuckle.

“Years ago I was raised in a town that was in constant conflict. My father made weapons for the Revolutionary Army. However, due to the nature of his weapons, my mother was kidnapped and murdered by his competitors. I never really had a stable home I’d guess you could say I’ve kind of hopped from ship to ship. A songbird whose own freedom became her cage.” Charlotte said forcing a smile. “I’m saying all of this to say, I’ve done and seen some things that I honestly believe make me ineligible to be happy.” Charlotte said sullen. “If you don’t mind having me around, I’ll be your compass.” Charlotte said, slightly grinning as her hair blew in the night air’s due. Eyes filled with tears, Junbei sniffled turning around and hugging Charlotte tightly. “Sorry. I’m a sucker for sad stories. Ever since a child, I never could handle them. I’m sorry.” the man said bowing his head. “I apologize for the universe dealing you such unfortunate cards.” Junbei said sniffling. “But you know what, if it wasn’t for all of those things you’ve been through, you wouldn’t be able to be the Charlotte I love.” Junbei said warmly. Letting go of the woman, Junbei placed his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Can I play you something?” Junbei said grinning.

It was still almost as Junbei’s fingers danced across the air. The melody sounded light, almost as if he’d written for a bunch of children. As Junbei’s fingers banged against the air keyboard created by Junbei’s Oto Oto No Mi, the sound ushered through the ship, bringing comfort to both Mavis and Caprice who were sound asleep. The ghost swarmed around the vessel, as the melody woke the apparitions that lived within the heart of the vessel. The sound felt like warm hot coco smelt, carried in a breeze which was slightly masked in the aroma of daffodils. It took Charlotte back, to days she’s long forgotten on Kuja, her mother singing her a lullaby as she ran her pushed and fingers through her scalp, brushing out the knots of her wild messy hair. Her mother’s cocoa butter scent, mixed with a slight musky scent from her sweating, left a pleasantly constant scent that was directly unique to her mother. It felt like security, a feeling she’d never felt in awhile. Smiling, the woman’s hair pressed against Junbei’s back as the duo simply enjoyed each other’s company. No words exchanged in this moment they understood each other.

For Junbei, the sound reminded him of Sunday afternoons when the researchers would take a ferry to the nearby island and the inmates were left under light guard, having the day inside the recreational room to read books and play games. It was also the day, well, this specific day that Junbei recollected on that Isabella taught him how to play piano. “Hey. If I teach you how to play can you do me a favor?” the woman said smiling. “Would you kill me?” Isabella said grinning. “Devils aren’t allowed to kill angels.” Junbei said almost whispering. The woman burst out into laughter, “Me? An Angel? Gishishsishi.” the woman exclaimed. “You say some cute things. Are you referring to these wings of mind that don’t work?” Isabella said, trying to flutter her wings but they were mere stubs after being amputated by the doctors at the base. “I- I always wanted to ask you why your wings were gone but I didn’t want to be rude.” Junbei said whispering.

“Eh? I can’t hear you.” Isabella said poking at the kid’s cheeks. “I said I didn’t want to be insensitive!” the child shouted. “Eh.. Well you still ended up asking, which makes you suuuuper selfish. Stingy.” the woman said playfully teasing Junbei. The auburn child cried. “Eh… I didn’t mean to make you cry goddamit! You're gonna be a man one day, you can’t cry so quickly.” Isabella said sternly, slightly annoyed at herself. “Fine.” the woman said walking away towards the piano. Sitting down, the sun almost glowed on her bright crimson eyes and long flowing blue hair. As her fingers touched the keys, the melody Junbei played for Charlotte in the present was almost identical. As Junbei watched in astonishment, “Cute.” were the only words that could come from his mouth.

Ending the playing sequence, the two sat in silence once again. Getting up from the look out point, Junbei stretched, looking off into the city. "I'll protect you. I'll listen to you. You don't have to struggle with this anymore. Believe me. We'll have many more of these nights on these seas. I know you think right now that your a songbird whose freedom kept you caged but honestly, I think in a way, we are all songbirds. Our songs are our story and our freedom is subjective." Junbei said grinning. Grabbing the girl's hand, Junbei glided down to the dock. "But. If you continue letting your subject be chosen for you. You'll never be free. Even I, I'm still haunted by her face. I even travel under these sails for her but I realised, I have a new reason to sail. Mavis and You. Maybe even that little brat one day. Jade. You are all important to me." Junbei said grinning. "Tomorrow. We find Jade. We stock up. Then it's time Charlotte. I know I'm selfish but could you guide me to the Kingdom in the sky." Junbei asked smiling.

"Yes. Yes, Captain." Charlotte simply responded. "I won't be always cheerful and chipper. Sometimes I get really depressed." Charlotte said shyly. "Then I'll cheer you up with a smile." Junbei retorted. "I don't even trust you guys one hundred percent yet!" Charlotte exclaimed. "I trust you." Junbei said sternly. Tears coming from her eyes once again, "I've never had friends so I might not be a good one." Charlotte rebuttal. "Well, I'll be a good friend to you. It all starts with a helping hand." Junbei said grinning. "Thank you." Charlotte said, running into Junbei's arms crying. The only words that could come to woman's mind after the man's genuine responses.

Falling onto the deck, the woman watched the sky as Junbei went downstairs into the lower levels to play the grand piano, the sun broke in the distance and the Songbird's first chapter in Jaya soon comes to a close. Meanwhile, marines stationed throughout the town receive word of the Flying Dutchman's arrival. The looming affect of the ship made the Dutchman float above the port of the city, striking fear into the hearts of all of those who had been reading about the crew within the last few weeks in Jaya. Kipp was reported defeated, Gegna, his right hand man's body was found charred and his pirate crew were found strangely deafen.

Walking towards the dock, the White Lotus Bounty Hunters stared at the ship from the deck, terrified on hopping aboard.