Hearing this, Judge realized that Giotto already knew about the connection between him and Shiki. However, he was certain that Giotto did not know the specific details. He only knew that the research of the mutated creatures was related to him.
If that was the case, there was still room for a maneuver!
"Ah, that one! Regarding that… I simply made a deal with Shiki. In exchange for helping his research at night, he provided me with Kaido's Lineage Factor. Aside from that, we're completely stranger. I didn't know what he was trying to do, nor was I involved in his plan."
Since Giotto already knew, he might as well tell the truth. If he insisted on denying it, it would just anger Giotto.
As a King of a country, he was quite confident in his negotiation skill. Moreover, he was confident that Vongola Family wouldn't lay a hand on them as long as they apologized and steered clear from Vongola Family's business.
But this was not all he wanted. He wanted to get Vongola Family's support to achieve his long-cherished wish: unifying the North Blue!
"Is that so? Didn't you find anything when you helped Shiki with his research? That cocky old lion should've showed off in front of you and try to win you over so that you join him, right?"
Giotto smiled, and his eyes became colder. "I already warned you, didn't I, Judge! There are two excellent illusionists in Vongola Family. They can fool your mind, manipulate your five senses, and then you'll tell me the secret you think you can bring to your grave before you know it. If I can't get what I want from you, then you'll have to give your answer to them."
There were many ways to deal with Judge. Aria could see through his mind. Mammon and Fran could use illusions to manipulate him. Either way, Giotto would find out his secret.
Since everyone thought that he was merciful, it was time for him to make some changes!
It was strange that Judge wanted to exploit Vongola Family's kindness!
"That's..."
Judge was puzzled. He felt as if the Vongola Primo he knew had changed from what he imagined. "I can tell you some information about Shiki that I know. But I also need you to promise me. On behalf of Germa Kingdom, I also intend to make a deal with Vongola Family."
"Right now, you're in no position to ask me something. Just tell me what you know and if you say anything useful, I may hear you out. If you spout nothing but useless shit, I can destroy Germa Kingdom right now!"
Giotto put down the wine cup in his hand, and his aura became even more terrifying. If the usual him him was Vongola Family's benevolent leader, right now he gave off the aura of a true ruler!
Strong, overbearing, and absolute!
This was the Vongola Primo that Demon Spade dreamed of, but that alone might not be enough for Demon Spade...
Judge knew that there was no room for negotiation now, but there was still a possibility that he could achieve his goal. "I understand. Then first, I will tell you about Shiki, but if Shiki were to discover about this, I hope that Vongola Family can lend a hand by that time to prevent Shiki from attacking Germa Kingdom."
Judge was very afraid of the legendary pirate in the last era. Even if he lost his legs and had a rudder on his head, his strength was still unquestionable.
"Speak!" Giotto shouted.
Judge instantly nodded and told Giotto everything he knew. "When I was helping Shiki with his research, I found that those animals were not purely made from Lineage Factor. There was also a kind of hormone that was refined from plants called IQ. However, they made sure to keep a close eye on that plant, so I did not get any detailed information involving tha particular plant. Secondly, Shiki had a partner. I only knew that it was the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and I did not know the details. As for his goal, he originally planned to let loose the mutated animals to the four seas for a trial, but because of my involvement and research, plus Kaido's Lineage Factor, he changed his mind. Shiki should be planning to let them loose in the New World after creating a mutated creature army. He planned to use this research to rule the entire New World!"
That was everything that Judge knew. After all, he was only helping Shiki with his research, not forming an alliance with Shiki, so Shiki naturally would not let him know too much.
Originally, Judge also intended to become Shiki's ally. But during the research, he noticed that Shiki had no intention of helping him conquer the North Blue. Shiki instead planned to send Germa Kingdom to the New World. With all the dominant forces being stronger than Germa Kingdom, they would be pulverized if they rashly entered the New World!
It was very likely that Shiki wanted Germa Kingdom to be the scapegoat. After realizing this, Judge naturally could not ally with Shiki.
"Seven Warlords of the Sea? Ruling the New World? That old lion is as ambitious as ever. Can't he just find a quiet place and retire now that he finally escaped from Impel Down?"
Although Giotto ridiculed Shiki, he was well aware that Shiki would rather die than retire!
Judge mentioned that the Seven Warlords of the Sea who cooperated with Shiki was most likely Doflamingo, because Donquixote Family was so eager to enter the New World. For them, Shiki was undoubtedly a huge help. Of course, it was also possible that it turned out to be Demon Spade. However, if it were him, Giotto would not be too worried, because he would not harm the Family.
To be honest, even if Shiki had a horde of mutated animals, Giotto did not think that Shiki could conquer New World, even though becoming the third Emperor after Whitebeard and Big Mom was possible.
Giotto did not dwell too much about Shiki. After a moment of silence, he looked at Judge and said, "You are not lying, very good! Then tell me about your business on behalf of Germa Kingdom, what do you intend to discuss with me?"