Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-27392440-20160221191403/@comment-44061-20160301051141

Chapter 521 states that Nimaya created the zanpakuto. The asauchi is the bases and the zanpakuto is the concept given form by that base creation. The history behind what came before and even when he created the zanpakuto is still a mystery. I dont believe its ever stated what happened to ichigo's original sword my best guess is that it may have disintegrated just like the first one did, After it was depowered and purposeless.