It was almost a month later when Roa finally found Kamado Tanjiro.
Over the course of a month, Roa's strength had been steadily recovering, now reaching about 20% to 25% of his full power. If Roa were to encounter Upper Moon Four again, he could at least rely on his stamina to last until dawn.
Yes, he could rely on his stamina to last until dawn.
Normally, a person's strength is limited, whether it's mental or physical. But Roa, in a sense, could no longer be classified as human. With his seemingly endless stamina, he could fight passionately until dawn without any issues.
However, while that may be the case, the actual situation would require further analysis.
Finding Kamado Tanjiro was purely coincidental. Roa had simply asked an old man passing by at the foot of the mountain and managed to get information about him.
The old man was around sixty or seventy years old, short in stature but with unusually robust limbs. Roa had casually asked if he knew anything about Kamado Tanjiro.
To his surprise, the old man immediately became wary, giving Roa a strange look and asking why he was looking for the boy.
Roa quickly fabricated a story, saying that his father had been an old friend of Tanjiro's father, but they had had a falling out many years ago and hadn't been in contact since. Now that his father was getting old, he wanted to see if he could reconnect with his old friend.
Roa even added that his father had anticipated that Tanjiro's father might have already passed away, and that this visit was primarily to offer whatever help he could to the charcoal-selling family.
Roa's explanation was reasonable and convincing, and he put on a bright, cheerful, and innocent expression, like a naive and romantic young man. Perhaps his smile was infectious, but the old man seemed to believe him.
Fortunately, the old man didn't know much about the Kamado family, so he bought Roa's story.
The old man nodded understandingly and pointed to the opposite mountain, smiling at Roa. "That young man is over there. I quite like that pure-hearted boy with the scar on his head. He's helped me a lot and made things much easier for me, so I was a bit wary when a stranger came asking for him."
Roa bowed slightly to the old man. "Thank you. I've been looking for them for a long time."
The old man felt something was off but, faced with Roa's harmless expression, didn't know what to say and simply nodded before leaving.
Roa continued up the mountain and soon reached the mountainside. He noticed that most families on the mountain preferred to build their houses either at the foot or halfway up the mountain. The houses were modest bamboo structures, with various clothes and white sheets hanging outside on bamboo poles.
Roa stood at the entrance, curiously peeking inside. He didn't see Kamado Tanjiro but noticed a very cute child.
It was a girl with long black hair that reached her waist and delicate features. She appeared to be around eleven or twelve years old, wearing a pink kimono. Her hair was tied in a round bun at the front, giving her a gentle and graceful appearance.
Roa was momentarily stunned. He recognized her almost immediately: Kamado Nezuko.
After all, such a distinctive girl was hard to miss. With Nezuko here, it was clear whose family this was.
Roa smiled at Nezuko, his handsome and gentle features naturally exuding a charm that was particularly effective on young girls.
Nezuko frowned slightly, studying Roa's face with curiosity before asking, "Big brother, what brings you to our house?"
Nezuko had noticed that this strange man didn't seem to be leaving and decided to approach him.
Roa replied, "Is this the home of Kamado Tanjuro?"
Roa didn't mention Kamado Tanjiro but instead referred to Kamado Tanjuro, as he knew he had no connection with Tanjiro and intended to use Tanjuro as his pretext.
As for whether he would be found out, having watched the anime, Roa was confident he understood the family's dynamics well enough.
The Kamado family was quite poor, with six members. Aside from the eldest son, Tanjiro, who could earn money to support the family, the rest were just children.
A mother with six children—the family's financial situation could be imagined.
Nezuko nodded. "Yes, Kamado Tanjuro is my father. What business do you have with him?"
Roa began to explain, "It's nothing major. My father once received help from your father. Now that my father has passed away, his final wish was for me to take care of Kamado Tanjuro's family."
Nezuko looked skeptical. "I've never heard my mother mention this."
Roa remained calm and continued to fabricate, "My father and your father were as close as brothers. In the past, my father was saved by your father in a time of crisis. He always felt indebted to your father. But later, some issues arose between them, and their relationship became strained. It's normal that you haven't heard about it."
Seeing that Nezuko was still doubtful, Roa could only offer a helpless smile. "Your family must be in need of help, right? I mean no harm. I just want to fulfill my father's final wish and do what I can to assist you."
Roa then reached into his pocket and pulled out thirty silver coins.
While the value of silver coins wasn't as high as gold coins, for an ordinary family, it was enough to last for a considerable amount of time.
Although Nezuko still looked skeptical, her attitude softened somewhat.
After all, Roa was essentially offering them money. Who could remain hostile to someone who came bearing gifts and offering help?
Of course, suspicion was still inevitable.
And now, Roa's task was to dispel that suspicion.
How was Roa's acting?
Needless to say, it was top-notch.
Roa was a master at spinning tales and lying without batting an eye.
And Roa's intentions were good—he wanted to see if he could save the family from Muzan Kibutsuji's clutches.
Since Roa's intentions were pure, his words naturally carried a tone of genuine concern.
Seeing that Nezuko was beginning to relent, Roa quickly added, "If it's too much, you can at least let me come inside and wait until your mother returns to discuss this further."
Roa put on a sincere expression, clasping his hands together in a pleading gesture. He explained to Nezuko, "From what my father told me, your father's health wasn't the best. I came here partly to check on your father's condition. Is Kamado Tanjuro home?"
Nezuko's expression turned somber, and a hint of sadness appeared on her delicate face. She replied in a slightly choked voice, "Father… passed away last winter."
Roa fell silent, his handsome face appropriately showing a look of sorrow.
He then reached out and handed Nezuko twenty silver coins, speaking earnestly and seriously, "Has your family been struggling lately? Since my father couldn't help you in his lifetime, as his son, I want to fulfill his final wish."
Nezuko glanced at the coins in Roa's hand, then looked back into the house. After a moment of hesitation, she shook her head and declined Roa's offer.
This time, Roa was really a bit confused. He had already made his words so clear; why was the other party still refusing?
He saw Nezuko with a serious expression saying, "My mother taught me that this is not right."
Roa showed a strange expression and said, "Why is it not right? Your father helped my father. Now, when you are in trouble, I extend my hand to help you. Isn't that the right thing to do?"
Nezuko's face stiffened, and she stammered, unable to say anything.
In fact, Nezuko really wanted the money.
The savings at home had almost been spent completely over the years.
Relying solely on Tanjiro to support six people was indeed extremely difficult.
Usually, the Kamado family lived frugally, just to barely raise the children.
Just talking about their mother's clothes, they had already become worn and faded. The younger brother's clothes were also bought years ago, and some were even hand-me-downs from when Tanjiro was a child.
Life had become so tight that it seemed unnecessary to care about so-called rules anymore.
After their father died, not many people came to help the Kamado family; only a few, and the relationships from that generation disappeared completely with the death of Kamado Tanjiro.
Now, a rare person had come forward, saying he wanted to help them. Should they still refuse in this situation?
Nezuko fell into a dilemma.
Roa smiled, stuffing the money into Nezuko's hand, once again revealing a warm smile like a spring breeze.
The sunlight shone on Roa's face, and his attractive eyebrows and handsome features were indeed very appealing to a young girl.
Even Nezuko, who was just beginning to understand feelings, felt her cheeks flush slightly.
It was proven that handsome people could get by anywhere.
It was unclear whether it was Roa's sincere and earnest attitude that moved Nezuko.
The other party had a helpless expression, extending her delicate little hand, trembling as she accepted the money.