User blog comment:Godisme/Shades of the Bond/@comment-44061-20111130194255/@comment-44061-20111201004235

Thanks Vampire Swordmaster. But recall Rukia noticed how his visored masked changed, so the new appearance may not be acknowledged but it certainly is noticed within the storyline, as there has been comments on its change before. When he fought Aizen, Aizen made note of his different his sword was. So these changes are significant, the problem is there is no real reason given for them. We do know they go far beyond standard for a shinigami.