"Skull's blood?" Giotto was genuinely surprised. He didn't expect that Shiki to come all the way here just to obtain a sample of Skull's blood. It would make sense if he asked a sample of Knuckle's blood.
However, Giotto knew why Shiki suddenly asked for Skull's blood. During the war with Whitebeard Pirates, Skull had repeatedly withstood countless attacks due to his near immortal body. This pure physical resilience was undoubtedly tempting for Shiki, who was researching mutated organisms.
Furthermore, this meant that Shiki was no longer satisfied with Kaido's bloodline factor.
Of course, Giotto didn't think that Shiki had completely analyzed and replicate Kaido's bloodline factor. It was more likely that his scientist, Dr. Indigo, was unable to make further progress in their research of Kaido's bloodline factor and had developed interest in Skull's.
Based on recent events, Shiki's mutated organisms had already reached the level of a Rear Admiral. This was already quite terrifying, and if he obtained Skull's blood, his research might progress even further. This meant that mean that there would potentially be many mutated organisms on Vice Admiral-level under his command. Although they might not reach Admiral-level, they could greatly impact the world's balance.
However, Shiki decided to come alone to Vongola Family's headquarters for that purpose. It certainly was in line with his ambition, world domination!
"Why do you think I will hand over Skull's blood to you?" Giotto asked after having thought it through.
"Just because I have the information you want, information about a person named Demon Demon Spade, which I believe should be quite important to you, little Vongola." Shiki replied with a grin. He wouldn't come here if he wasn't sure.
Shiki didn't care about his alliance with Doflamingo and Demon Demon Spade. Only profits mattered for him. If he could gain something from selling out his allies, he would do it as much as he could. Besides, he never took that clown and Demon Demon Spade seriously from the beginning. How could mere two Seven Warlords of the Sea stand as his equal?
"Tch, that bastard again?"
When Demon Demon Spade's name was mentioned, G became irritated. Due to Demon Demon Spade's betrayal in the past G detested him. G was frustrated as he could not find out Demon Demon Spade's current stance and intentions in this world. He would've hunted down Demon Spade if he wasn't one of Giotto's Guardians.
Upon hearing Demon Spade's name, Giotto showed a slight change in his expression, indicating his interest. However, he ultimately declined Shiki's offer, emphasizing that he would never betray his family. Skull being one of the Arcobaleno was an essential part of Vongola Family, and Family came before anything else.
Skull was deeply moved by Giotto's refusal and broke down in tears. He had been wearing a helmet to conceal his identity, and despite his emotional display, there was no sign of tears or mucus escaping from the helmet, which was quite mysterious.
"You should be aware that your refusal today may lead to regrets, just like Roger's refusal in the past. He could have avoided being executed by the Marines if he had accepted my proposal. As for you... well, you'll find out."
With a final, mocking laugh, the Golden Lion Shiki slowly ascended into the air, disappearing from their sight.
They didn't stop him, as this was Secon Island. However, his parting words left Giotto deeply concerned.
"It seems that we won't have peace for long," Giotto remarked. "And I have a feeling that this trouble will be even worse than before."
Giotto's intuition was usually spot-on, given his Hyper Intuition. He continued, "Tell Verde to develop a protective barrier that can be powered by Wave Energy. This way, we can protect the entire Secon Island when the need arises. Shiki's visit was a good reminder that while we have formidable guards here, engaging in battle here could still put the island itself at risk."
"Good point. We should also consider developing something that could create an extra space to fight. Without such options, those of us who can't fly will have limited option if there's a battle in Secon Island." Reborn agreed and suggested his own idea.
During the battle with Big Mom in Secon Island, this place would've been blown to smithereens if it weren't for Lampow, but it was Shiki's visit that truly slapped them awake that they needed better defense facilities.