Edited By
Sophie Chen

Celebrating its 4th anniversary, an illustration for Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You by Jinushi has ignited mixed reactions within the anime and manga community. While many fans cherish the work, others express frustration over the series' stagnant storyline and pacing issues.
The anniversary artwork is receiving both praise and criticism. Fans highlight the vibrant art style while questioning the story's direction. โThis manga became very stagnant,โ voiced some readers, illustrating a concern over the plot's lack of progress.
As the fanbase debates the impact of its recent licensing, comments point to a divided sentiment. Fans reminisce about the popularity of fan translations before the official release, which has since ceased. One commenter reflects, "I think they're sad because before it was licensed, the fan translation was popular" suggesting nostalgia affects current perceptions.
Concerns also brew over the series' romantic elements. Some readers speculate whether the significant age gap between characters will develop into a legitimate relationship, with doubts on whether the author will tackle this issue candidly.
"Initially, I really liked this manga, but I fear the romance is just bait" remarked a fan, sharing concerns about unresolved romantic tensions.
๐ Stagnation: Many fans share frustrations over the series feeling repetitive.
๐ Nostalgia for Fan Translations: The transition to official translations has left some feeling disconnected from the series.
โค๏ธ Romantic Tension: Ongoing debates about the age gap in the romance, with some doubting any resolution.
โ ๏ธ Major concerns about the storyโs slow progress and potential resolutionโ"I hope there is some proper step forward soon"
๐ The series has reached its 4th anniversary, yet key plot developments remain stalled.
๐ฌ "When will they get married and have children, bruh?" highlights fansโ hopes for progression in character relationships.
As fans await updates from Jinushi, conversations about the series' direction and potential adaptation continue to grow. With uncertainty surrounding upcoming content, itโs clear that the community is deeply invested in the fate of this unique manga.
As fans anxiously await the direction of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You, there's a reasonable chance that the author will introduce significant plot developments in upcoming chapters, likely around a 70% probability. Many speculate that addressing the rampant concerns over stagnation and romantic tensions is essential for re-engaging the audience. Given the current critical feedback from the community, itโs plausible that the author might play into the nostalgia for earlier translations by revisiting character backstories or making bold plot moves. Expect characters to face dilemmas that could either deepen their relationships or provoke further discussions among readers.
The situation mirrors the evolution of classic sitcoms that faced backlash over repetitive storylines, like the later seasons of Friends. Initially beloved for its character dynamics, the show lost many fans due to predictable plots and stale interactions, only to regain traction by introducing unexpected twists and guest stars that reignited interest. In a similar vein, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You may yet find a way to break from monotonous storytelling, providing surprises that connect back to the very elements that originally captivated its audience.