dent-de-leon:

Oh! I mean, I certainly didn’t hope that?? D: If that was the real Shiro I think there would be a lot less conflict though, and for a lot of reasons. For one thing, I don’t think Shiro would be back at the base at all. He’d be right back in Black’s seat where he belongs. Because unlike Kuron, Shiro is a a paladin. After seeing through his lion’s eyes and traversing the astral plane, after learning so much give and take when it comes to trusting her instincts and building up a mutual bond after everything Zarkon’s done–I don’t see all that just crashing down. And I mean, Keith’s entire link with Black has always been rooted in Shiro. His drive to protect Shiro, to carry on Shiro’s will after he’s gone–his motivations for taking on Black have always been singularly focused on Shiro. And even when Black locates Kuron, it’s not him she’s drawn to. It’s his memories. Shiro’s memories. 

So if Shiro were really back, I don’t think Black would have any reason to reject him in the first place. So right off the bat, things would run a lot smoother. You wouldn’t have this disconnect of one person piloting the head while someone else leads. Things could easily fall back into step. They obviously wouldn’t be the way they were before, but I think they could work something out. If Shiro were really back, I imagine he would still insist on Keith piloting though, so maybe we really do get a true co-leader scenario where they trade off piloting and providing direction from the base. 

The real Shiro was also a lot more trusting though. He wasn’t breaking up the team left and right. He knew to trust Keith’s instincts, even when it led to choices that he dreaded, such as letting Keith shut down Zarkon’s base alone. Kolivan calls it a suicide mission and tells Shiro he would never command someone to take such a risk. Keith snaps back, “No one’s commanding me. I’m doing it.” This is a noticeable callback to when Shiro’s in the astral plane–“No one commands the Black lion.” Just like how he had to learn to trust Black, he lets go of his fear and relies on Keith’s instincts as well. Even though it looks like it’s killing him to do it 

So, rather than shutting down Keith every opportunity he gets, I think the real Shiro would let Keith take a chance. More importantly, Shiro would never risk the safety of his entire team, even if it was for the mission. Shiro lectures Keith about how he has to learn to make hard decisions, but Keith does do that. Don’t rescue Allura because you can’t risk Voltron. Fight Zarkon one on one. Hold hostage the guy you were supposed to “rescue.” Split from the team so they can’t be tracked. Go on a suicide mission alone. Keith can make harsh calls. Shiro has always been shown to be more careful, more cautious. His leadership style often ends up being a bit softer than Keith’s (and that’s not a bad thing). And the person who reacts like this when his teammates are seriously injured–

they would never just sit by and say, “deal with the consequences,” and put everyone in jeopardy.  

And again, when it comes to this “disconnect”–Kuron practically gaslights Keith. He spends the whole episode overruling Keith’s decisions every chance he gets and then tells him good job. He leads with, “I’m sorry I had to step in back there”--I’m sorry you were too incompetent and I had to take over, not I’m sorry I completely took over, made everyone question your leadership, and then made a rash call that got you all hurt. But then when Keith agrees and says, “I’m no good at this,” Kuron completely contradicts that line of thought with, “Yes you are,” and compliments his “quick thinking.” The quick thinking that wouldn’t be necessary if Kuron hadn’t fought him every step of the way and forced Keith into that position. 

I don’t think he’s intentionally trying to mess with Keith. Not at all. But even still, Kuron obviously doesn’t understand him. His “advice” is confusing and contradictory, and only makes Keith further question his position. When Kuron tells Keith he’s the true black paladin, he does not look comforted. It’s obvious Kuron’s words have brought him no relief, and he’s left looking even more despondent than before. Kuron obviously cares for Keith, and he still approaches him for a quiet heart-to-heart the way Shiro would. It’s his way of checking in and offering support. But he can’t quite replicate Shiro’s level of intimacy and understanding.