Caw4Brandon

The working world can be a challenging place to be. There are so many opportunities for you to learn, but perhaps not all workplaces are easy. Maybe your job involves a client/ customer, and your boss is eagle-eyed on you to GET IT RIGHT.

After that 9 to 5, you just want to go home and unwind. Maybe you catch up on your hobbies, do some activities, or just do something for that pick-me-up. That is the study for today, and how it changed two people's lives.

Hey Mister, Over Here!

<Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You> by Jinushi follows Sasaki, a 40-something-year-old Salaryman who worked in a toxic working environment in Japan. His job involves him dealing with reports and sales with clients. After a long day at work, Sasaki would take the train ride home and stop by his local supermarket to buy some essentials. He would specifically check out at Isle 2, where the cherry and beautiful cashier, Yamada, resides.

On one particular night, Sasaki was doing his routine shopping, but Yamada was nowhere to be seen. Dejected, Sasaki tried to look for a smoking spot where he could smoke safely without disturbing the public.

As he makes his way to the back of the supermarket, he runs into a mysterious woman. Tayama asking Sasaki to join her and smoke together. As they lit up a cigarette, Tayama inquires about Sasaki. Saying that he looks familiar. Thus, a friendship was formed.

As the series carries on, Sasaki and Tayama get to know each other better. Engaging in small talk, discussing their daily work experiences, and enjoying each other's company.

Otsukaresama! (Good job today!)

< Smoking with You > is a series about vibes. Where two characters take a break behind a supermarket during their off hours and get to know each other better. Surviving in the world with the little forms of happiness they can find.

Our main character, Sasaki, is a simple man who found his one slice of happiness through Yamada as his pick-me-up. On that fateful night, he interacted with Tayama for the first time. Sasaki gets to unwind and resolve his many issues. Overcoming his past regrets and gaining a new understanding with Tayama. In return, Yamada feels seen by Sasaki with her set of complexities, having her own form of release through Sasaki.

By these interactions, they find mutual understanding with one another, even though they are generations apart.

The hook of this series is the "secret" that Yamada is Tayama, with little explanation as to why and how the dense Sasaki never caught on. We also get to see that, outside of work. Our characters have little to no social lives. Living on their own with not much to do. For both of them, this interaction they have is the only form of socialising they get.

Their conversations are deeply insightful or silly nothings. Making us, the audience, pry into their private meeting, getting to know them while they get to know each other. As the meetings become more frequent, the bond between Sasaki and Yamada develops. A simple slice of life about two people finding and enjoying each other's presence.

We also get to uncover their inner thoughts and how they wrestle with their own problems. Sasaki is an overly kind man who puts the needs of others above his own, while Yamada puts on facades to hide her true feelings.

It's Not The End of The World

Here are my stray thoughts. < Smoking with You > is about working adults overcoming the mediocrity of daily life. The working world is a boring place. You wake up, go to work, have a lunch break, go home, maybe do some errands, sleep and repeat.

Adding the mundane habit of Sasaki and Yamada meeting in an unflattering place for a smoke break may feel like nothing, but their meeting brings out the best in each other. That certainly says something.

When life is but a routine, the little interactions you make with the people around you might add a little flavour, and it might open the doors to a better relationship with your mutuals. What's so attractive about this series to me and to the newfound fans since the anime brought a resurgence, is how normal it feels.

No special powers, no supernatural elements, no raunchy stuff. Just two ordinary people indulging in a recreational activity and chatting about life. Which may lead to a potential romance. It's so simple, and yet. 62 chapters in. We're not even scratching the surface yet.

The endgame of the series seems to be clear, but it might not be the conclusion we see in typical teen dramas. Because this isn't a teen drama. Sasaki and Yamada are adults, and romance doesn't seem to be their priority yet. Or maybe the author, Jinushi, is going to mess with us.

What I hope < Smoking with You > can testify to is the fact that anime/manga doesn't need some otherworldly hook, nor does it need to be reminiscing about one's teenage years. It can be as simple as smoking behind a supermarket with a total stranger and getting to know each other.

< Smoking with you > is a very interesting series for me because, while it didn't do anything impressive visually. It makes up for it with how interesting and complex the characters are. I also hear the joke that it reminded audiences of other characters.

Which I think is how the Marlboro Makima (Chainsaw Man) and Temu Higuruma (JJK) joke came about. Not saying that it's wrong or anything. I think it's a funny pattern recognition.

Like some cosmic joke. YouTube recommended < Chainsmoking Cat > I've seen the pilot episode and I find it disgusting and hilarious. Very dark humor compared to the chill vibes of < Smoking with You >

And because the main character is a cripplingly addicted chainsmoking cat girl. The audience has memed the main character, Yaniko to be adopted.

I have a whole list of shows I should catch up on or Manga I should read. So, I gotta get to it.

Yazmin Vane makes a comeback with this cool oversized jacket and a new hobby. Ange smoking, inspired by a recent show I watched. I want to use the elements more in a subtle way. Where everyday items are supported by the elements.

Design and colour-wise, Yaz stays pretty much the same and will be for a long while. I just want to put her in an oversized jacket. Something about wanting to see my characters in cozy and cool clothes. Yaz is one of the hardest characters for me, mainly because my other characters are pretty much settled. But I will make her work.

Here are a few new developments for Yaz and her new hobby. She would be using a pipe for her smoking needs. Now, granted. I know next to nothing about smoking but this vibe feels right for her and it's going to be that missing sauce to fill the gaps.

Yazy's new hobby was inspired by this new show I recently watched and am reading at the moment < Behind the Supermarket, smoking with you >

It's about Sasaki, a Salaryman making an unlikely friendship with Tayama behind the supermarket that he frequents. It's cute, funny and deeply adult with all the smoking involved. Unbeknownst to Sasaki, Tayama is also the cheery supermarket cashier, Yamada.

Gang, go give it a watch. I've been reading the Manga to get ahead of the anime and I love it this far. I will eventually get to writing something about it but I'm looking for an angle.

As for Yazmin, her smoking hobby is my new favorite thing now. I hope to do more and I will do more. That said, it probably does mean I might make Yaz more adult orientated.

That old idea about her and Anis being housemates might not be a bad idea after all. I'm not giving up. I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I can. Till then...

Yazmin Vane makes a comeback with this cool oversized jacket and a new hobby. Ange smoking, inspired by a recent show I watched. I want to use the elements more in a subtle way. Where everyday items are supported by the elements.

Design and colour-wise, Yaz stays pretty much the same and will be for a long while. I just want to put her in an oversized jacket. Something about wanting to see my characters in cozy and cool clothes. Yaz is one of the hardest characters for me, mainly because my other characters are pretty much settled. But I will make her work.

One thing that I want to do more is to use the elements more on the character's daily lives. Which is why Yazy picked up smoking. It's not your typical cigarettes, it's more like a type of elemental cig to activate Ange.

I'm thinking, the good ole pipes or maybe a blend of that with E-cigs (I have a relative who used that)

Now, I personally don't condone smoking unless you're an adult. But if you follow me on Instagram. You would know that I recently watched a thing and loved it. But in fairness, I have been thinking about how I can use the elements with a daily object. Safe to say I kinda figured it out. It's just the execution.

Yaz has returned and she will establish herself even if there is no one here.

Jamie Ann Robyn reporting for duty! There aren't many changes to Jamie's design as of now. The only update is the Power Bat that she uses. The foundations of the weapon are there, but there are some little changes.

Unlike Sadie's Rook that is more hidden and defensive. The Power Bat uses a different and more direct approach to using the STAB. It uses the elements as it is for extra damage. The most common practice is to use Stan. However, Jamie likes to use other aspects to heighten her melee skills.

At the handle area, there is a bandage warped with stray edges. The bandage is dyed with the element from the previous post. The Tide Dye. Acting like an elastic rope, where Jamie can grab on. Expanding the weapon's range.

The gold ring at the end acts as a counterbalance for Jamie to make big swings. Stan users are normally straightforward. They use their weapon like normal, and because of the abundance of Stan crystals. It's very easy to refill.

I really like the fact that Jaime is less girly. In fact, I often drew her in pants more than a skirt. Both her and Sadie are not like normal girls.

Jamie is your typical tough girl. Really, it's inspired by other redheads like Samantha (TS), Kim Possible, Pepper Ann, Merida (Brave) and so on. The bat fits her so nicely that I eventually gave in and drew her with it more and more.

Sadie is more like a nerdy wise girl. She's a little modest but she is not as ditzy as people may think. Brains and brawn but still lady-like in some capacity.

Hi, so. I have other ideas for other things, but I don't want to repeat the same mistake from last time, where I made a bunch of things, and they didn't fall through, so here they are! Take it or leave it, but I will very much appreciate your thoughts.

The strange object head character before you is the new Timothy (name subject to change), a humanoid creature that I like to call a Pouchkin. They generally look human, but it's their head that is distinctive. They have a backpack for a head. Just the front designs with all the flaps, zippers, straps and so on.

They are, of course, silent beings who can't talk, but they find other ways to communicate, such as psychic cards, unusual sound recorders and sign language. The inside of their bags is pure hammerspace. Meaning, they can keep and pull out a variety of objects.

Some Pouchkin carry specific things, such as medical supplies, weapons and tools. Others are just walking backpacks for their owners. The Pouchkin are made to serve. They are a fusion of dark science and Haven magic. Existing solely to assist and never act on their own.

Initially, I did have the idea that Sadie had one to serve her as a partner. And let Jamie and Hector do the fighting. Since she is often on her own to investigate. However, now that Ollie, the Duro Hoodlite was introduced. I felt that Tim was no longer needed.

So, using all these old references. I've done some experimenting and I like what I see so far. Behold!

The creature-like Pouchkin. That uses the head of the Pouchkin with the body of a creature.

It's using the octopus feature for now and I think it's really not bad. They used to have a variety of features too so, I wonder if it would be better.

Thinking about it. There are a lot of ways the Pouchkin can come back with their more animalistic features. Some might be taller. Who knows~

Hi, so. I have other ideas for other things, but I don't want to repeat the same mistake from last time, where I made a bunch of things, and they didn't fall through, so here they are! Take it or leave it, but I will very much appreciate your thoughts.

The strange object head character before you is the new Timothy (name subject to change), a humanoid creature that I like to call a Pouchkin. They generally look human, but it's their head that is distinctive. They have a backpack for a head. Just the front designs with all the flaps, zippers, straps and so on.

They are, of course, silent beings who can't talk, but they find other ways to communicate, such as psychic cards, unusual sound recorders and sign language. The inside of their bags is pure hammerspace. Meaning, they can keep and pull out a variety of objects.

Some Pouchkin carry specific things, such as medical supplies, weapons and tools. Others are just walking backpacks for their owners. The Pouchkin are made to serve. They are a fusion of dark science and Haven magic. Existing solely to assist and never act on their own.

Initially, I did have the idea that Sadie had one to serve her as a partner. And let Jamie and Hector do the fighting. Since she is often on her own to investigate. However, now that Ollie, the Duro Hoodlite was introduced. I felt that Tim was no longer needed.

So, here's a thing from Gramtown (Instagram): I've been distracting myself with these little guys. They're called Quinkarts, and they were a recent thing that I wanted to try out. They share some familiar details, but they are not the Hoodlites. Just a fun little concept to distract me from my actual characters.

Sadie mac Lir returns with a new look, new Rook and new companion, and it will be expressed in detail. To start off, let's talk about Sadie's look. She stays pretty much the same, but I've been experimenting with the idea of her having a unique flash of colour. Hence, I tried giving her the trendy underlayer in cyan blue.

The dye is not ordinary. It's a unique concoction called Tide Dye. A mix of the "Tide" mixed with drops of a desired colour. The dye functions as a reserve for emergencies. Activated by soaking the dyed area with normal water. Sadie uses it to throw darts. Like actual hair dye, it naturally fades over time after use.

Next, we address Ollie; the Duro Hoodlite This Hoodlite is a part of the reworked version of the Hoodlites (more to come in the future). The Hoodlites have several subcategories among themselves. The Vest, Cape, Duro and Suit. Ollie is part of the Duro category.

They are a single head with various features. Ollie has a pair of cylinders at the side and a top handle. Ollie is also an Odd-eye. One is bigger, and the other is smaller. Ollie is the extra eye and hand for Sadie. Often seen holding onto Sadie or being held by Sadie.

Ollie's body is an illusion. It may look empty with a pair of stick legs and a long tail coming out, but all Hoodlites possess the power to have Hammerspace. Underneath their "Skin", they have an instant accessible storage area. Which makes him a useful keeper of items. Ollie is sometimes seen using a Power Gauntlet. Allowing him to grip onto things.

Finally, we talk about Sadie's tool of choice. A multi-purpose staff that functions as Sadie's aid and weapon. For now, it's called the Rook, and it conceals a range of unique capabilities. The staff's beak is solid, making it useful for effective strikes.

The handle is twistable, allowing her to quickly rev the Tide on her staff and hit the ground. Causing a shockwave to knock her opponents back. There might be other functions, but the jury is still out for those. With that being said, it's good to have Sadie back.

27 April 2026, since it was Sadie's birthday. Here's an extra post where we compile the best of Sadie. Our girl has grown a lot since 2021. She's met so many new friends, lost some along the way, but she still looks forward.

I also want to show some fan art made over the years by friends. Be it in public or private. Thank you for sticking by the MTCR series, or at least, with Sadie. Please enjoy. Tags will be mentioned in order.

@lisin-drw @themilkshanghai @hillarydevillier @usernoneexistent @yoselin-uyu @starduststrr

I love it loads! Very well done~

Sadie mac Lir returns with a new look, new Rook and new companion, and it will be expressed in detail. To start off, let's talk about Sadie's look. She stays pretty much the same, but I've been experimenting with the idea of her having a unique flash of colour. Hence, I tried giving her the trendy underlayer in cyan blue.

The dye is not ordinary. It's a unique concoction called Tide Dye. A mix of the "Tide" mixed with drops of a desired colour. The dye functions as a reserve for emergencies. Activated by soaking the dyed area with normal water. Sadie uses it to throw darts. Like actual hair dye, it naturally fades over time after use.

Next, we address Ollie; the Duro Hoodlite This Hoodlite is a part of the reworked version of the Hoodlites (more to come in the future). The Hoodlites have several subcategories among themselves. The Vest, Cape, Duro and Suit. Ollie is part of the Duro category.

They are a single head with various features. Ollie has a pair of cylinders at the side and a top handle. Ollie is also an Odd-eye. One is bigger, and the other is smaller. Ollie is the extra eye and hand for Sadie. Often seen holding onto Sadie or being held by Sadie.

Ollie's body is an illusion. It may look empty with a pair of stick legs and a long tail coming out, but all Hoodlites possess the power to have Hammerspace. Underneath their "Skin", they have an instant accessible storage area. Which makes him a useful keeper of items. Ollie is sometimes seen using a Power Gauntlet. Allowing him to grip onto things.

Finally, we talk about Sadie's tool of choice. A multi-purpose staff that functions as Sadie's aid and weapon. For now, it's called the Rook, and it conceals a range of unique capabilities. The staff's beak is solid, making it useful for effective strikes.

The handle is twistable, allowing her to quickly rev the Tide on her staff and hit the ground. Causing a shockwave to knock her opponents back. There might be other functions, but the jury is still out for those. With that being said, it's good to have Sadie back.

27 April 2026, since it was Sadie's birthday. Here's an extra post where we compile the best of Sadie. Our girl has grown a lot since 2021. She's met so many new friends, lost some along the way, but she still looks forward.

I also want to show some fan art made over the years by friends. Be it in public or private. Thank you for sticking by the MTCR series, or at least, with Sadie. Please enjoy. Tags will be mentioned in order.

@lisin-drw @themilkshanghai @hillarydevillier @usernoneexistent @yoselin-uyu @starduststrr

Sadie mac Lir returns with a new look, new Rook and new companion, and it will be expressed in detail. To start off, let's talk about Sadie's look. She stays pretty much the same, but I've been experimenting with the idea of her having a unique flash of colour. Hence, I tried giving her the trendy underlayer in cyan blue.

The dye is not ordinary. It's a unique concoction called Tide Dye. A mix of the "Tide" mixed with drops of a desired colour. The dye functions as a reserve for emergencies. Activated by soaking the dyed area with normal water. Sadie uses it to throw darts. Like actual hair dye, it naturally fades over time after use.

Next, we address Ollie; the Duro Hoodlite This Hoodlite is a part of the reworked version of the Hoodlites (more to come in the future). The Hoodlites have several subcategories among themselves. The Vest, Cape, Duro and Suit. Ollie is part of the Duro category.

They are a single head with various features. Ollie has a pair of cylinders at the side and a top handle. Ollie is also an Odd-eye. One is bigger, and the other is smaller. Ollie is the extra eye and hand for Sadie. Often seen holding onto Sadie or being held by Sadie.

Ollie's body is an illusion. It may look empty with a pair of stick legs and a long tail coming out, but all Hoodlites possess the power to have Hammerspace. Underneath their "Skin", they have an instant accessible storage area. Which makes him a useful keeper of items. Ollie is sometimes seen using a Power Gauntlet. Allowing him to grip onto things.

Finally, we talk about Sadie's tool of choice. A multi-purpose staff that functions as Sadie's aid and weapon. For now, it's called the Rook, and it conceals a range of unique capabilities. The staff's beak is solid, making it useful for effective strikes.

The handle is twistable, allowing her to quickly rev the Tide on her staff and hit the ground. Causing a shockwave to knock her opponents back. There might be other functions, but the jury is still out for those. With that being said, it's good to have Sadie back.

27 April 2026, since it was Sadie's birthday. Here's an extra post where we compile the best of Sadie. Our girl has grown a lot since 2021. She's met so many new friends, lost some along the way, but she still looks forward.

I also want to show some fan art made over the years by friends. Be it in public or private. Thank you for sticking by the MTCR series, or at least, with Sadie. Please enjoy. Tags will be mentioned in order.

@lisin-drw @themilkshanghai @hillarydevillier @usernoneexistent @yoselin-uyu @starduststrr

And I wish you creating amazing works of art for many years to come and be happy every day 🎁💕

This is very lovely~

Sadie mac Lir returns with a new look, new Rook and new companion, and it will be expressed in detail. To start off, let's talk about Sadie's look. She stays pretty much the same, but I've been experimenting with the idea of her having a unique flash of colour. Hence, I tried giving her the trendy underlayer in cyan blue.

The dye is not ordinary. It's a unique concoction called Tide Dye. A mix of the "Tide" mixed with drops of a desired colour. The dye functions as a reserve for emergencies. Activated by soaking the dyed area with normal water. Sadie uses it to throw darts. Like actual hair dye, it naturally fades over time after use.

Next, we address Ollie; the Duro Hoodlite This Hoodlite is a part of the reworked version of the Hoodlites (more to come in the future). The Hoodlites have several subcategories among themselves. The Vest, Cape, Duro and Suit. Ollie is part of the Duro category.

They are a single head with various features. Ollie has a pair of cylinders at the side and a top handle. Ollie is also an Odd-eye. One is bigger, and the other is smaller. Ollie is the extra eye and hand for Sadie. Often seen holding onto Sadie or being held by Sadie.

Ollie's body is an illusion. It may look empty with a pair of stick legs and a long tail coming out, but all Hoodlites possess the power to have Hammerspace. Underneath their "Skin", they have an instant accessible storage area. Which makes him a useful keeper of items. Ollie is sometimes seen using a Power Gauntlet. Allowing him to grip onto things.

Finally, we talk about Sadie's tool of choice. A multi-purpose staff that functions as Sadie's aid and weapon. For now, it's called the Rook, and it conceals a range of unique capabilities. The staff's beak is solid, making it useful for effective strikes.

The handle is twistable, allowing her to quickly rev the Tide on her staff and hit the ground. Causing a shockwave to knock her opponents back. There might be other functions, but the jury is still out for those. With that being said, it's good to have Sadie back.

27 April 2026, since it was Sadie's birthday. Here's an extra post where we compile the best of Sadie. Our girl has grown a lot since 2021. She's met so many new friends, lost some along the way, but she still looks forward.

I also want to show some fan art made over the years by friends. Be it in public or private. Thank you for sticking by the MTCR series, or at least, with Sadie. Please enjoy. Tags will be mentioned in order.

@lisin-drw @themilkshanghai @hillarydevillier @usernoneexistent @yoselin-uyu @starduststrr

Sadie mac Lir returns with a new look, new Rook and new companion, and it will be expressed in detail. To start off, let's talk about Sadie's look. She stays pretty much the same, but I've been experimenting with the idea of her having a unique flash of colour. Hence, I tried giving her the trendy underlayer in cyan blue.

The dye is not ordinary. It's a unique concoction called Tide Dye. A mix of the "Tide" mixed with drops of a desired colour. The dye functions as a reserve for emergencies. Activated by soaking the dyed area with normal water. Sadie uses it to throw darts. Like actual hair dye, it naturally fades over time after use.

Next, we address Ollie; the Duro Hoodlite This Hoodlite is a part of the reworked version of the Hoodlites (more to come in the future). The Hoodlites have several subcategories among themselves. The Vest, Cape, Duro and Suit. Ollie is part of the Duro category.

They are a single head with various features. Ollie has a pair of cylinders at the side and a top handle. Ollie is also an Odd-eye. One is bigger, and the other is smaller. Ollie is the extra eye and hand for Sadie. Often seen holding onto Sadie or being held by Sadie.

Ollie's body is an illusion. It may look empty with a pair of stick legs and a long tail coming out, but all Hoodlites possess the power to have Hammerspace. Underneath their "Skin", they have an instant accessible storage area. Which makes him a useful keeper of items. Ollie is sometimes seen using a Power Gauntlet. Allowing him to grip onto things.

Finally, we talk about Sadie's tool of choice. A multi-purpose staff that functions as Sadie's aid and weapon. For now, it's called the Rook, and it conceals a range of unique capabilities. The staff's beak is solid, making it useful for effective strikes.

The handle is twistable, allowing her to quickly rev the Tide on her staff and hit the ground. Causing a shockwave to knock her opponents back. There might be other functions, but the jury is still out for those. With that being said, it's good to have Sadie back.

And for good measure, I'll show some about Ollie as well. For long time followers. They might recall that the O used to be Owen/ Osker. We're working on that but it's decided, it's cuter to make actual pet names than make it an actual person's name.

He's here to stay as well and I hope to show more Hoodlites lore soon. Still working on it but for once, I have a good sense of direction to take MTCR and the rest of its cast.

Hector and Jamie will return. With this new direction to use the elements more. It took so long but we're finally here and we're just getting started. Till the next one!