@robbybevard:
Lolipops are way more badass than cigarettes. They show that a character is willing to purchase and suck on a traditionally childish treat because they think it tastes good and they don't give a crap about what others think.
As opposed to cigarettes, which are foul tasting and unhealthy, where you pretty much have to start smoking to TRY and be "cool". (I'm not against smoking at all, especially in fiction. It does add a certain older renegade sensibilitity to a character, it allows for swirling smoke motion in an aotherwise static unmoving shot, and can be iconic. Especially in cases like Lupin III. But the fact remains, people only START smoking to be cool.)
When the starting INTENT is for a character to suck a lolipop, its badass. If its a censor edit to change from a cigarette, then its the dumbest thing ever.
Either way, double badass points if the item is bent and manages to stay in your mouth at all times regardless of facial expression.
I agree with you on that. It just seemed strange to see a non-cliche design made into a cool character in Naruto of all places.