Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-25506085-20141013044638/@comment-8986886-20141013081701

1. Even though Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshou proved very powerful in his fight against Ginjo, and the fact that he moved with incredible speed, creating afterimages, he still wasn't as powerful as when he fought Aizen. In his fight against Aizen, Ichigo used his most powerful Bankai technique, which allowed him to level mountains with a swing of his sword, and effortlessly break free from a level 90 Hado spell.

2. Yes, Zangetsu has always been, and will always be, Ichigo's Zanpakutou. This is confirmed when Ichigo uses techniques he learned from Zangetsu, such as Getsuga Tenshou, and Tensa Zangetsu's Bankai release.

3. Aizen didn't really need a Bankai, since whenever someone managed to injure him, the Hogyoku would simply make him stronger, and that was part of Aizen's plan. In Aizen's final fight against Ichigo, they were both on a level where a mere Bankai probably wouldn't have done much damage anyway. Aizen also thought of himself as being superior to Ichigo, and if he were forced to use his Bankai it would prove that they were equals. Simply put, he was too proud to use his Bankai.

4. Ichigo's Quincy powers are developing and he is now able to use Blut Vene, which is a defensive technique that hardens the skin to repel enemy attacks. Zangetsu is also reforged into two separate swords, but it's still unknown what he can do with them. Ichigo also trained with the Royal Guard, and is now much better at controlling his Reiatsu.