User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 606 - DIVINE DIVISION/@comment-2120712-20141119143657

Well that answers why the Shihoin didn't lose their status somewhat, they had a viable heir to replace Cat-san(because I can't be arsed to spell her name). Either the 2nd division was Captain-less until Soi fon, someone still unknown took it over before her or Yushi was captain and stopped being so for some reason.

I am starting to think that the Royal Guard's zans were reforged into the weapons we see today. These "reforged" zan seemed to have taken on forms that represent their contributions/powers more accurately. Clearly the RG fought or encountered Juha and his quincy army 1000 years ago and seeing as Juha today is still getting surprised(briefly) by whatever the RG throws at him as a team or as individuals, it is clear to me that their powers have evolved. Something Yama suggested happens when you give a shinigami a lot of time to do. My guess is that since clearly before now Juha could not get his shadows up in the RG and therefore spy and collect data on the Rg abilities, they are unknown wild cards and thus the need for 4 or more elite Sternritter to at least keep them from ganging up on Juha and use their awesome teamwork to take him out.