AWKWARD ZOMBIE

Or maybe Urahara had a modified Asauchi that he gave Ichigo. He's already been seen to replicate the Hot Springs.

And I think Zanpakuto spirits can exist without the Asauchi (like Toshiro's Hyorinmaru), but the Asauchi "eats it" and takes its identity in order to manifest it outside of the Shinigami and expand their arsenal.

However, I wonder what this means for the times before Zanpakuto. How did the Shinigami fight Hollows before? If they used Kido, then what's the difference between Kido and Quincy power? Did they have to use spells and seals to purify the hollows?

Could this maybe be the source of the conflict? They used to both just kill Hollows but then Shinigami realized their world (and possibly the world of the living by extension) would collapse and used Zanpakuto instead, while berating the Quincies and eventually being "forced" to destroy them for the sake of balance.

In both occasions wherein Ichigo's Zanpakuto appeared, it appeared when his powers were gained or regained. It was never handed to him. My theory on the Quincy's purpose might explain why they exist in the first place. Prior to the goofy blacksmith's arrival to forge Zanpakuto, maybe Soul Society was dependent on Quincies, dependent on humans. Ichigo created his own, and we were left to assume that's how it was done. Notably, in one of his inner most fights against Hollow Ichigo, Zangetsu took his sword away and game him an Asauchi, calling it inferior. No longer needed by the Shinigami, the Quincies would become targets of the Hollows because of their spiritual power, but were told not to kill Hollows with their own powers. The disconnect led to discontent and eventually war. Perhaps that is why the Quincies are showing off new weapons in place of bows and arrows. They're forging their own weapons now, without giving them to Shinigami. It would explain how they managed to develop their little Bankai stealing medallions as well.

It might also explain why Uryu says that Quincies don't use swords. Until Bach and the Sternritters at least.

I just finished watching Zeta Gundam. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it more or less that Mobile Suit right now. The one thing that really bugs me was the ending, which makes me want to find a way to get ZZ Gundam, but I've been postponing Sword Art Online just so I could finish Zeta. Oh the dilemma!

Give it some time before you jump into ZZ. It starts out as a VERY different change of pace from Zeta and going straight from it may be a bit offputting.

The only solution is to just not watch SAO lol

WHAMUU! WHAMUU! WHAMUU! WHAMUU!
JoJo quality really went up since episode 20

Zeta is one hell of a ride, but ZZ is just very different and takes a few things introduced in Zeta much further.

Thought of this while at work today: I should probably be banned from art programs. (Zeta Gundam related)

Right, well I'm most of the way through Sword Art Online now. 20/25 episodes; there was some good and bad about the first arc. Mostly about the time skips, I'd talk about it but I'm not sure how much I'd be casually spoiling. Anyways, I've been enjoying it quite a bit so far. I'll probably have it finished by tomorrow, which means I don't have anything else to buffer me before Gundam ZZ.

I gave up on WIng and started watching X and I have no regrets it is so much better.

YES GOOD IS THE MOON OUT ETC

Wolf Children Ame And Yuki is so cute and emotional I can barely find the words to say how much I enjoyed it.

You guys weren't kidding about ZZ being different from Zeta. It's almost awkward how silly this is, it keeps catching me off guard. Not sure if that's ever good or bad, but I do laugh.

Although, I guess I've found a pet peeve about stock sound effects for falling to the ground and stuff.

Just wait...juuuuuuuuusssssssssssst wait...

For it to get more serious? Yeah, I've heard it does and have no idea when that happens, but I'm looking forward to it. it'll probably be more heartbreaking this way, getting attached to lighthearted characters.