~::Shinigami Academy Training Facility (Zanpaktou Studies)::~


It is said that a Soul Reaper is only as powerful as the Zanpaktou that they wield. As the weapon is the incarnation of their spirit's power, and the power of their primary weapon, the saying isn't far from the truth. Every shinigami who comes into their spiritual power will eventually unlock their own Zanpaktou, but their level of mastery depends on the amount of time spent training their weapon and the power of their spiritual pressure.

Zanpaktou are all known to have three forms. The first of which is the sealed form, in which the weapon is reduced to a mere sword that contains their power. The second form is known as the "First Release" or the Shikai. Most ranked shinigami or powerful youths will achieve this release. Power of Zanpaktou varies, between strong and weak, fast and slow, but all are formidable in their own right.

The third form of the Zanpaktou is the "Second Release" or the Bankai. Bankai is the highest release state of the shinigami's weapon, and is achieved only by the highest of ranked warriors. It is said that one could train for one hundred years before ever learning Bankai, and then once achieved, they would spend another ten years mastering it. Though the numbers may be a bit off, it is not a stretch to say that intense and extended training must be undergone to achieve and master Bankai.

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Shinigami Training for Shikai (any shinigami may train for Shikai):




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Shinigami Training for Bankai (must be approved by a Captain and have achieved Shikai):




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Shinigami who are in training will require varied times to master their weapon. Keep in mind that rest will be required in training, and that simply remaining here longer to try and learn your release will only weaken you and make it more difficult to master. There is no set time limit to learn a release, and it will only be learned once a Captain witnesses and approves its mastery. If they do not feel you have mastered the weapon, you may have to continue training a little longer. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, so neither will you likely master a Zanpaktou in one!

For Bankai, you may not train the release until you meet certain criteria. The criteria are as follows:
-One Captain must approve your training for Bankai (you must submit a formal request).
-You must have achieved Shikai.
-You must be ranked 5th or higher in your Squad, and have a spiritual pressure equivalent to or higher than the weakest Vice-Captain.
-It is not required that you have a certain amount of Reiatsu to attempt training for Bankai, but your approval will likely be denied until you are strong enough to handle it. If you prove your talent in missions/storylines, however, you may also be given leave to try.