Electric shocks could be controlled by adjusting voltage to determine the current passing through the human body.
But Silva's whip had absolutely no restraint. How much force he'd use when whipping someone, whether he'd use Nen—all unknown variables.
"As long as he's happy." Roy's tone was somewhat powerless.
All stubborn people, no one would bow to anyone—this was the Zoldycks, a household of stubborn mules.
Gotoh had never been a meddlesome person. He could only do his best with the young master's logistics, ensuring he needn't worry about trivial matters and become distracted.
The wooden grandfather clock in the corner chimed, reminding Roy that less than an hour remained until bedtime.
Gotoh attended to Roy finishing his medicinal bath and was leaving the bedroom with his changed clothes. As he was about to close the door, Roy called out to him.
"Two matters. First, book me appointments with several renowned tuberculosis specialists. Second, search for information on Conjurer-type Nen users, preferably with records of using 'reverse materialization' methods. I want to consult them about some things."
Roy hadn't forgotten Tanjuro's illness. The first solution he thought of was to use reverse materialization methods to send real-world medicine into the Demon Slayer world.
He reached to touch the sun earrings but grasped empty air. Only then did he remember he hadn't yet "entered the dream," nor had he developed a means to materialize items from the cognitive world into reality.
"The first matter is easy." Gotoh stroked his chin, pondering briefly before replying. "The Respiratory Medicine Department at Batorokia Republic's capital hospital is very famous. As long as you're willing to pay, you can book appointments with highly skilled specialists. As for searching for Conjurer-type Nen user information—"
Gotoh helplessly spread his hands. "Young master, you know I don't have authority to access the intelligence organization."
Roy was aware the Zoldyck family had its own dedicated intelligence organization. Not just Gotoh—even he or Illumi, without Silva's authorization, couldn't mobilize any intelligence personnel, let alone search for related Conjurer-type Nen user information.
"I understand." Roy didn't make things difficult for Gotoh, telling him to close the door properly before throwing himself onto the soft bed.
Nearly two years remained before Tanjuro's death—not long but not short either. There would be methods.
Worst case, Roy had also considered that once he fully mastered Sun Breathing and learned some basic Nen ability application techniques, he'd attempt the Hunter Exam. Once passing the Hunter Exam and obtaining a Hunter License, he could access the Hunter Association's private network and use their resources to search for renowned Conjurer-type Nen users.
Then some problems would be easily solved.
Evening wind lifted a curtain corner, revealing Yukigakure on the sword rack. Moonlight streamed through clean glass windows onto Roy's face.
The young man clasped his hands over his abdomen and peacefully closed his eyes. The familiar sensation of falling came. Through the colorful tunnel, arriving once more at his cognitive ocean.
Roy walked barefoot into the sea, letting waves wet his pants legs. He gazed far into the distance, attempting to empty himself. A minute later, he pushed open the Demon Slayer door.
***
"Big brother~"
The north wind howled. Tanjiro, having just run outside the shrine to relieve himself, shivered while wrapping himself in a blanket as he entered. Passing the campfire, he gently pushed Roy.
Compared to Roy sleeping until dawn, Tanjiro sported dark circles under his eyes, looking at him admiringly. Clearly, he hadn't expected his brother could sleep so soundly after experiencing so much the previous night—his brother must naturally possess a big heart.
"There's a cloth bundle under the hoe with dumplings inside. Take some out to roast."
Taking advantage of the fire not yet extinguishing, Roy went outside to grab snow, simply washing his face. Upon returning, he pulled out the water flask from his chest and opened the stopper.
Seeing this, Tanjiro invited himself over, warming dumplings while sitting beside Roy, just to catch a bit of "aura."
The foolish little brother clearly didn't understand the principle of curiosity killing the cat. Roy was too lazy to deal with him, opening more aura nodes to inject more Nen into the flask.
White smoke curled up. Nanno Hiroshi emerged halfway from the flask, bowing to Roy.
Tanjiro saw his lower half in smoke form attached to the flask and curiously leaned over. "Uncle, are you okay?"
Result—he received a hand chop from Roy and aggrievedly held his head while crouching to the side.
"My reckless brother made you laugh." Roy smiled apologetically at Nanno Hiroshi. "Uncle, if you have no other matters, we'll depart after eating dumplings."
Nanno Hiroshi smiled at Tanjiro. The little fellow's aggrieved appearance somewhat resembled his precious daughter, just older—probably still a spoiled child.
He immediately shook his head. "How dare I trouble Lord Eiichiro. This humble one does have a small matter—if Lord Eiichiro is interested, you could search for it. When that demon chased me, it flung my backpack aside. If Lord Eiichiro doesn't mind the trouble, please search for it. Inside are gifts I bought for my family and some money. The money will all go to Lord Eiichiro as thanks for avenging me and finding my family."
"That's simple." Roy glared at Tanjiro. "Did you hear? When we descend the mountain, smell carefully."
Tanjiro made an "oh" sound. After peeling and eating several dumplings with Roy, they soon shouldered their baskets and left the shrine, finding Nanno Hiroshi's backpack under a pine tree.
Scattered inside were cloth, a bamboo horse, and documents. In the nearby snow they also found some snacks, barely visible as small corners under the heavy snow cover.
"These are my things, no mistake. The cloth is for making clothes for my wife and mother. The bamboo horse and snacks are for my daughter. The travel documents have my name. The remaining money, Lord Eiichiro may take as he pleases."
Roy dug out one copper coin from the snow and put it in his chest. The rest he had Tanjiro wrap up and stuff back into Nanno Hiroshi's backpack.
Nanno Hiroshi froze, opening his mouth to say something. But Roy lifted his backpack, grabbed it in hand, and walked toward Mount Sagiri without looking back.
"These days, men are the family pillars. You may have died and don't need to worry, but your old and young family still needs to eat, right? Keep more money to help them get by."
"That's right, uncle. Keep more money to buy your daughter candy." Tanjiro followed closely behind, leaning over to smile at Nanno Hiroshi.
Nanno Hiroshi sighed deeply, bowing his head in complete obeisance. He didn't know if he was fortunate or unfortunate, only feeling warmth in his heart and more attachment to this world than ever before.
Until arriving at the foot of Mount Sagiri, seeing a village settlement in the distance. Hearing a familiar childish voice, this feeling became especially strong.
"Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?"