https://www.w3schools.com/css/css3_gradients.asp > riffed off this example

ok so no luck there; annoyingly, CSS gradient transitions are apparently not a thing!
BUT i did find this this, and it works on hover so I should be able to test it here. hmm

^NICE.

ok now to test it with an actual linkset:

• link#
• link#
• link#
• link#
• link#

FUCK. YESSSSSSS
+the transition in is the hover:before, transition out is the :before. weird but w/e.

one last thign: 420 slant it

• link#
• link#
• link#
• link#
• link#

…hm. ok seems like clip-paths are Not the answer for--*what if percentages* hold on---
aaaand no luck. BUT, but but but: if you just like. make the transition fast. no one will notice