"Hit the streets, disappear... Take gigs... Feed Cats... Just stay clear of Arasaka." - V, The Devil Ending
That line of "Feed cats" really stuck with me from the Devil ending, so I figured I'd do a little photoshoot of Takemura with a stray cat companion. Either during his time in hiding or in an alternate path where Takemura actually takes V's advice.
"Good, strong medicine is bitter to the mouth." - Goro Takemura, Phantom Liberty End
I've really been just thinking about Takemura and his current life during the Phantom Liberty ending. For instance, how does he cope with the city? Seeing how set in his ways he is, further confirmed by the resigned line he gives during the "Gimme Danger" quest;
"You cannot teach an old dog new tricks".
With that said, I can imagine adaptation was/is incredibly difficult for him, especially given his disdain for the city.
That's what I tried to capture here, showing his stubborn refusal to accept his situation and his distaste as he hides out in a hotel in Kabuki Market. Glowering at the bright, neon advertisements that stream through his window and peering down at the shameless debauchery of his neighbors within the hotel. All while also trying to stomach the less-than-edible food he can afford.
However, he finds short-lived respite in the company of his beloved cat companion as well as tending to the weathered, dry bonsai tree kept in the hotel hallway. A small, familiar comfort, and the only living vegetation nearby, and much like him, stubbornly defying the conditions the city places on it; however, its current state shows that it is not a winning battle, and if not for Takemura's help, it would've succumbed eventually.
