Zanpakutō

Zanpakuto are weapons used by soul reapers in the Bleach anime, and manga. they are manifestations of the users souls, and energys. Zanpakuto have three stages that they go through, and each has different "requierments". the stages of zanpakuto are as followed:

Regular-In this stage, they pretty much all look the same. Normal swords.

Shikai Release-This stage is more powerful than the regular form, and the size, and overall look of the sword varies. These zanpakuto also have names, which are needed to summon these weapons.

Bankai Release-This release requires many years of training (normally), and has 5 to 10 times more power than the shikai release. Only very skilled, and powerful fighters can unleash this stage of zanpakuto, and includes things like giant beasts, powerful swords, and phisical upgrades, such as wings.