Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-9826910-20130618064245/@comment-11477779-20130808082720

It's possible the Gotei 13 knew Ichigo's lineage after the end of the Aizen arc. Isshin did return to the Soul Society but he was never really shown interacting with anyone. Rangiku was there when Ichigo put him down and I would count it highly likely she recognized him and then made a report after. Regardless, Ichigo's treatment by them was portrayed as being a matter of debt and honor. Never were his family ties mentioned as a reason for returning his powers although it's completely plausible that is was an unstated factor. As for Zangetsu, my gut tells me it'll still be pretty much a melee-based zanpakuto. More awesome no doubt, but I'm not really expecting any sort of new kido-type attacks. Certainly nothing Time based. I'd like to hear your theory on why you think that. Old Tensa Zangetsu compressed Ichigo's spirit energy allowing him to move and attack faster but it didn't affect time at all. But hey, I'm not Kubo so what do I know?