it could be argued that Souma would do what we could consider drag as a part of traditional Kabuki theatre performances!
That's a great point, and does nicely allign with how I choose to interpret Souma's feelings regarding gender 🥰 If happyele weren't cowards this concept could be the next Akatsuki event. Kuro is due for a center - and I think he'd be the one who would struggle with wearing drag the most.
After seeing all the Bogie Time crossdressing, Keito gets an idea for a new Akatsuki live. To honor traditional Kabuki performances, Akatsuki will don feminine kimonos and make up. Keito is pretentiously insistent that paying respects to this historical precedent is both valuable and a fresh angle for Akatsuki.
Souma is entirely unbothered by assuming female presentation, and treats it the same as any other role he's played. He is nonchalant, and curious about the historical context, and so so so so pretty you guys- 🥺
And Poor Kuro is suffocating under 80 tons of societal expectations for masculinity. More than enough to get through a 10-15 chapter event story featuring the Akatsuki characters doing cliche bits to explore their ~feminine sides~. Naturally Naru gets a 3* card when they go to ask her for advice. But even after several chapters worth of sillies, Kuro is still uncertain and anxious. He sews clothing, he's even sewn clothes for women before, but it's always felt distinct in his head?
Kuro's sister is what eventually gets through to him with a sassy comment like "why do you think dressing as a woman makes you weak? Do you think women are weak? Do you think I'm weak?"
Bingo Bango, Kuro's patriarchal world view is forever adjusted and everyone lives happily ever after. His 5* is wearing a pretty flowery kimono with wooden sandals and fierce red winged eyeliner.
This is the story Akatsuki fans want.
(OK, it's the story *I* want. shush.)
