Releases

A release is when a Zanpakuto's ability is activated, commonly reffered to has "Shikai", all Zanpakuto have different (though some may have similar abilities) releases. there is a second release called a Bankai which can only be obtained by subjugating the spirit of the zanpakuto. Both releases take a considerable amount of time to master, but Bankai is especially difficult, with it being almost exclusively a captain rank ability. Arrancar also have releases, which allows them to utilize their hollow powers to a greater degree, these releases tend to involve a physical transformation, such has growing new appendages.