Hierro

is a technique of the Arrancar in which an Arrancar's spiritual energy condenses and creates a steel-hard skin that is strong enough to block a Zanpakutō. Depending on the Arrancar's power level, their Hierro may be stronger; Nnoitra Jiruga claimed to have the strongest Hierro and could be cut by Kenpachi Zaraki only after he adapted to the former's reiatsu. It is unknown if Nnoitra's claims are true as four Espada are of higher rank and power. The technique is exclusive to arrancar, and presumably higher level hollows. It is unknown if Vizard are capable of using it as well. Shinigami have been shown using reiatsu to block or lessen the blows of zanpakutō, but this cannot be done nearly to the same extent as the arrancar's technique.