Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-33821682-20160205141304

So, this totally makes sense in my head, but it might not make so much sense written down.

Chapter 542, around about page 10: The striking image of Ichigo, his shihakushō torn at the shoulders and now holding two blades, now only the third known Shinigami to wield a double zanpakto, along with Shunsui and Ukitake. Both black, one long and sporting a long hollow portion along half the length, and one shorter and having a hand guard. The longer one represents his true Shinigami powers, along with his hollow powers, while the shorter one represents his Quincy powers.

Now here's my thoughts. The hollow portion along the longer one represents a hollow's hole in it's chest. The hand guard on the shorter one represents the desire his Quincy powers had to protect Ichigo. Make of this what you will, these are only my thoughts and aren't in the least bit proven by anything other than what we see and know about the power within Ichigo. 