Priest
Oh, you finally came, Kamira. The mochi pounding preparations are already done...wait, hm?
Kokona
E-Excuse us~.
Kamira
Ah, sorry sorry! We were killing time for a bit, but it went on quite a while~.
Priest
Didn't the number of people increase from the start? What's going on? Who are those kids?
Kamira
They're from the Sirius troupe, they're my friends! They just happened to forget to reserve mochi, so I invited them~.
Shizuka
I knew it, showing up without notice was a problem...
Priest
Hm? Ah, sorry sorry. Guess I said that wrong. We're not limiting numbers or anything, so it's fine.
Priest
It's not really a temple event to begin with. It's just a casual gathering where we make mochi to give to parishioners and also hand some out to acquaintances.
Chisa
Thank goodness...!
Iroha
Now the mochi preparations are perfect!
Panda
Priest! I do streaming~! If you don't mind, could I film the mochi pounding?
Priest
Oh, filming? Make me look handsome, will ya~? ...Just kidding!
Priest
Filming itself is fine as long as you keep it appropriate. Film as you like.
Kathrina
Now that I think about it, I've only seen mochi pounding in fiction or videos.
Iroha
I've never experienced it either! I'm looking forward to it...!
Priest
The preparations just finished, so let's meet those expectations. Here, try pounding.
Iroha
M-Me!? I-Is that okay!?
Priest
You there too, young lady, come on!
Kathrina
T-Thank you...the mallet is pretty heavy.
Priest
So, Kamira. Here.
Kamira
Eh! Me!?
Priest
Of course. Mochi pounding requires technique. If an experienced person doesn't show an example, beginners will be troubled.
Kamira
That's true, I guess...but doesn't that make three people pounding mochi?
Priest
There are ways to pound like that too, so it's not a problem. I'll arrange the mochi, so please don't use your hands.
Kamira
I know that! So then Irocchi, Katorin! Hold the mallet firmly~!
Iroha and Kathrina
Yes!/Got it.
Kamira
First, when pounding mochi with the mallet, it's like dropping the mallet's weight straight down. Use your whole body-if you do it with just arm strength, you'll get tired super fast.
Kamira
And rhythm is even more important! We'll smooth it out in the end, but if you don't pound evenly, the mochi will be uneven.
Kathrina
I see...seems tough until you get used to it.
Kamira
True, you think that at first, but you get used to it as you go! That's how it was for me!
Priest
Alright, I put the mochi in. Now pound it before it cools and hardens.
Kamira
Practice makes perfect! Let's try it for now! Heave-ho!
Kamira
Okay, Irocchi!
Iroha
T-Timing is important, right? Nnnngh, heave!
Iroha
This really is heavy...ah, right! Kathrina-san!
Kathrina
I-I got it! Hmph! ...Eiya!
Kathrina
This uses quite a bit of stamina...will I make it to the end?
Kamira
It's fine! It's fine! If you keep good posture and a good rhythm, it gets easier! Plus, if it gets tough, you can switch out!
Kamira
Heave-ho! Come on, Irocchi!
Iroha
Roger! Eiyah! Kathrina-san!
Kathrina
Leave it to me! And this is the last one...!
Priest
Alright, it's done around here! We'll divide up the pounded mochi in the kitchen, so wait for it.
Priest
New ones will come right away.
Iroha
Phew, I was worried, but just like Kamira-chan said, I got used to it surprisingly quickly!
Kathrina
Yes, heh heh. I worked up a good sweat...
Kamira
You both got the hang of it faster than me! You've got talent for mochi pounding~!
Panda
Man, that was good footage...or rather, a good experience! I'm grateful!
Shizuka
Your face is beaming because you got good material, Panda.
Priest
Here we go, next mochi. Who's pounding?
Kokona
Wah, that's fast! Um, next is...
Towa
Oh, an SSR! Lucky! As expected of shrine and temple power~...hm?
Everyone
stare
Towa
W-What...don't tell me you're saying I should pound mochi!?
Towa
A-Absolutely not! I can't even hold that heavy-looking mallet in the first place!
Chisa
Don't worry, Towa. It looks like they have children's mallets too.
Towa
Hey, don't forcibly make me hold it! I'm not doing it!!!
Tsubomi
That won't fly, Motosu. If you've received a blessing, you must return sincerity to the gods.
Towa
You mean the SSR!? W-Well, I did say shrine and temple power, but...!
Shizuka
It can't be helped...if you're worried, I'll support you from behind. This should make it less heavy.
Towa
Hey, don't try to hold the mallet together from behind! It'll be like kindergarten mochi pounding! Let go~!
Tsubomi
Heh, as long as you hate being treated like a child, you're still a child, Motosu.
Towa
Ughhh! Remember this, Tsubomi!
Panda
Man~, I'm getting great footage~.
Kamira
For real! This is definitely gonna go viral for sure!