After hearing Doflamingo's words, Tom could tell that since Doflamingo had failed to poach him, he was now preparing to recruit his two apprentices.
However, Tom did not say much about it. Whatever choices his apprentices made, he would not interfere.
People on the sea held freedom in a special, romantic regard. Take Garp, for example. His son and grandson were completely at odds with the old man's Marines, yet he had merely laughed it off.
As long as it was a sincere choice made by his two apprentices, Tom would have no other objections.
Iceberg and Franky exchanged a glance. Neither of them had fully digested what had just been said.
In truth, neither of them wanted to part ways with their teacher. But now that they had all become wanted criminals, they could either head out to sea as pirates or find somewhere to hide under assumed names.
From Tom's attitude, he intended to retire on Fish-Man Island, but he was also worried about the two of them. Naturally, they did not want to burden Tom either.
There was no room for humans to live on Fish-Man Island. If Tom went there, the three of them would certainly have to go their separate ways.
Iceberg and Franky were young, after all. Deep down, they wanted even more to fulfill their ambitions. Though they shared a deep bond with Tom, if they had a chance to realize those ambitions, they were unwilling to let it slip away.
Besides, they did not have many choices to begin with. Tom and Franky had some fighting ability, but they could never resist the World Government. Iceberg was even just an ordinary man.
Doflamingo's willingness to take the two of them in was already the best possible outcome.
"Teacher, I want to go