Garp had been excited, but when he heard Ages's words, his mouth twitched. At a loss for words, he said,
"Ages, kid, what are you thinking?"
Ages grinned and scratched his head. "Hehe, just a joke to lighten the mood. By the way, Uncle Johnny, I've fulfilled our agreement. Can I join the Marines now?"
Johnny nodded repeatedly without hesitation.
"Yes, absolutely! I'll go get your Marine credentials issued right now."
With that, Johnny prepared to take Ages to register for his Marine credentials...
"Vice Admiral Garp, I'm taking Ages to register."
Garp looked into the distance and called out,
"You can all head back. I have something to do, and I need to talk to Ages."
Garp then hurried after Ages, leaving the group standing there in a daze.
Willis watched the three of them walk away and murmured,
"I think I've just met someone who will play a major role in the Marines one day..."
After Johnny took Ages to the Marine registration office and got him registered, Garp stepped forward.
"Ages, kid, I just spoke to Kong on the phone. Since you took care of Don Krieg's large pirate crew, and you have a Devil Fruit ability, I've decided to use my position as a Vice Admiral to recommend you for our Marines' Ferocious Beast Training Camp. Ages, are you willing to go?"
A trace of confusion appeared in Ages's eyes. He tilted his head and asked,
"Vice Admiral Garp, I don't even know what this Ferocious Beast Training Camp is."
Even Johnny looked puzzled. As a Marine corporal, he didn't know what the Ferocious Beast Training Camp was either.
Garp paused briefly when he heard that, then smacked his forehead. He gave a carefree laugh and said apologetically,
"Hahaha, look at me. Sorry, sorry. I forgot that given your positions, you aren't entitled to know about this yet. Hahahaha!"
Ages and Johnny exchanged glances, each seeing a speechless look in the other's eyes.
Garp showed no sign of embarrassment and paid no attention to Ages and the other person's speechless expressions. His face turned serious as he said,
"The Ferocious Beast Training Camp was only established by the Marine leadership after what happened with Roger. It's a training camp set up specifically to deal with this Great Pirate Era, which is filled with brutality and slaughter."
"The Ferocious Beast Training Camp only accepts people under eighteen who have sufficient talent and astonishing potential. If they can survive the brutal Ferocious Beast Training Camp, distinguish themselves and graduate, they'll be officers of at least field or flag rank."
"Ages, I need to make this clear beforehand. The Ferocious Beast Training Camp isn't like a boot camp where you play house. There, you'll face the threat of death at any moment. And I can tell you this: the death rate at the Ferocious Beast Training Camp is as high as sixty percent!"
Garp's expression was more serious than ever. "Ages, I'm asking you solemnly now: are you still willing to go?"
Ages didn't answer. Instead, he asked,
"Vice Admiral Garp, is this the fastest way for a Marine rookie to become a field or flag officer, or even an Admiral?"
Garp was somewhat puzzled by Ages's question, but he smiled and nodded.
Seeing Garp nod in confirmation, Ages remained calm and answered without hesitation,
"Then I'm willing to join the Ferocious Beast Training Camp."
"Hahaha, good, good, good." Seeing Ages agree without hesitation, Garp laughed and praised him.
"Oh! I forgot! Only field and flag officers are supposed to know about the Ferocious Beast Training Camp... but you're still here, Johnny."
Garp suddenly slapped his forehead in realization.
"Uh..."
Johnny and Ages stared at Vice Admiral Garp, who had only just realized it, black lines covering their faces. They thought at the same time,
So you just forgot! I thought this could be made public now...
Then, as though his brain had short-circuited again, Garp continued to laugh loudly and carefree.
"Forget it. I've already said it anyway, so it doesn't matter. Johnny, just don't tell anyone. Come on, come on, I'm hungry. Let's go eat soba noodles! Hahahaha!"
Ages was infected by the carefree Garp's mood. He smiled and thought,
Hehe, Vice Admiral Garp really is interesting.
Pops, I've joined the Marines. The next time we meet, I'll definitely see you as a field or flag officer.
A few days later, Garp set off with Ages for Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
On the shore, Willis, Johnny, John, Xiaodouzi and the others watched Vice Admiral Garp's Marine warship sail away...
Time flew by, and Vice Admiral Garp and Ages arrived at Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
"Ōru, take Ages here to the Ferocious Beast Training Camp. I'll go register him now."
After giving the Marine officer his instructions, Garp turned to Ages, patted him on the shoulder and said with a hearty smile,
"Ages, kid, I did recommend you for the Ferocious Beast Training Camp, so work hard and don't embarrass me."
Having spent this time with Garp, Ages could tell that his words showed concern. He also gave a hearty smile and said,
"Don't worry. I'll make you feel that recommending me was more than worth it, Vice Admiral Garp. Hahaha!"
"Hahaha, good! I'll be looking forward to it."
Ages then followed the Marine officer to the Ferocious Beast Training Camp...
Garp, meanwhile, headed to Sengoku's office.