Chapter 56-1
After visiting Teacher Suzuki's grave, the chief priest of this temple was to give a simple sermon to everyone in the main hall of D-dera.
Cold barley tea and steamed buns were distributed to everyone, and a story went on like "The red beans inside the steamed buns ward off evil spirits."
It was a large main hall with a covered floor, but since it would be difficult for elementary school students to sit straight on the floor all the time, the chief priest had prepared chairs for each child in advance.
Afterwards, a sutra was recited for Teacher Suzuki, and a "Kamishibai" performance was also performed by the chief priest's wife.
The only event that followed was an event where letters written by the children were delivered to Teacher Suzuki's home. And then, after they had relaxed a little, the chief priest showed everyone around the temple and gave an interesting talk about the history of the temple and the origins of the Buddha statues...that was the plan.
As Ryosaku was looking with interest at the sutras displayed in the main hall and the temple's principal image, his former homeroom teacher, Teacher Kitano, called out to him.
"Ryosaku-kun...could you please come over for a moment?"
"Yes, teacher, do you have something to say to me...?"
"Hey, why don't you go for a walk outside and just us?"
"Yes, that's fine, but...what about the other kids besides me...?"
"They'll be touring with the chief priest for a while, so there's probably still some time before they leave.Teacher Suzuki's home is also within walking distance from here."
"I understand. Now..."
