Also still working on brothers posting but that thing is going absolutely amazing when I manage to somehow wreck my own theories before I've even fully written them down
Like case in point, don't think I didn't notice this guy wearing the same tassels as Suo
And at first I thought it would signal them being the disciplines of the same master (and how cute would that be) but then I was looking up an unfamiliar term I saw in a fanfic and ended up neck deep reading about Chinese symbols (again)
And I think I found out what Suo's earrings mean. And I'm not okay with this info
*deep sigh*
"Coral (珊瑚, shān hú) symbolises longevity and promotions in rank
Coral was historically thought to be an underwater "iron tree" (鐵樹, tiě shù) that blossomed once per century. Red coral is believed to be auspicious for its colour. Coral buttons were worn on the hats of government officials. Coral resembles deer antlers, and deer are associated with longevity. Coral is considered to be one of the Eight Treasures."
And as for the second white bead in his earrings? I always kinda thought it might be a pearl but now I'm more or less convinced it is
"Pearl (宝珠, bǎo zhū) symbolises endless transformation; perfection and enlightenment (when chased by a dragon); wealth, treasure, pure intentions, and genius in obscurity
Chinese dragons are often depicted as chasing a pearl-like jewel object. The pearl also resembles the moon, and as a dragon devours or disgorges the moon, it appears to wane or wax. The flaming pearl is one of the Eight Treasures."
Throwback to that scene of Suo admiring the moon (which could represent Furin)
I also looked up what the tassels mean. And apparently yellow/golden tassels symbolise authority. So Suo's earrings could literally be - and likely are - his rank insignia as a Red Chanpuru officer
(Also take note how the other guy I pointed out appears to have two larger coral beads in his tassels so would that mean his rank is higher than Suo's? Unless the meeting they're headed to next that Suo appears to be dreading is another promotion. Imagine if we see him next time with two red coral beads in his earrings)
Now I understand what Nii-sensei meant by saying Suo's arc is a trump card. It's been in front of us the whole time. Nii-sensei planned this from the beginning
Anyway, I'm gonna go bash my face into a wall
