User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 540 - The Sword Five/@comment-8669536-20130605182414/@comment-1351982-20130606174850

I think that after Tensa Zangetsu and Hollow Ichigo merged during the final Getsuga Tensho training personality wise was the real Zangetsu. I think the entity we have come to know as "Hollow Ichigo," has been the entity protecting Ichigo the entire time." Not trying to speculate too much, but when you think about it, the only time Tensa Zangetsu showed any true remorse or compassion was after he merged with hollow Ichigo. Also, I think that some of the chapters in the visored training arc, especially chapter 215 "Tug your god out," also lead to that possibility.