>>5
A zanpakutō (斬魄刀, zanpakutō? lit. soul-cutting sword) is a fictional type of weapon in the Bleach series wielded by those with shinigami powers. The art of using a zanpakutō is called zanjutsu (swordsmanship).
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Anonymous2007-06-24 0:36 ID:UnNIOunb
Ordinarily, most zanpakutō look like a regular katana, with slight variations between them as one would expect between different swords. Under this ordinary exterior, however, lies a sentient spirit. This spirit gives a zanpakutō the power to purify hollows, send souls to the afterlife, and even transform the sword itself into more elaborate and powerful forms. While seemingly similar on the outside, all zanpakutō have unique (though sometimes similar) abilities that usually match their owner's personality.
Zanpakutō, being sentient beings, are a shinigami's partner in battle and cannot be replaced. Because they are alive, a zanpakutō will regenerate if broken, though there is a limit to such regeneration (a vaporized zanpakutō would not regenerate, for example). As a shinigami gains power, their zanpakutō can change form by allowing the inner being to manifest itself to a greater degree in the outside world. The sword and the inner being are synonymous to each other.