User blog comment:Leo Kazisaski/Bankai levels/@comment-3001427-20121008223759

The problem lies not in so much that levels could exist or that my way is the only way, but the fact that if you allow the existence of levels, there is no upper limit. If Shukai and Bankai Stage 2 exist, then whats next? Supreme Final Release? True Final Release? Or how about Bankai Stage 3? Stage 4? It just keeps going and going and going. Assume you keep it in your story. And you introduce a new villian who beats your character. Guess what he needs to power up, and since he already has Stage 2 Bankai, lets give him Stage 3.

It continues to add up in ridiculous proportions. No matter how well written, the next level is always something that can and given enough fancy will exist. Either by you or another user. I choose to stick to expanding Bankai as is, and delving into the Zanpakutou itself, because it sets a different standard. If you want to grow stronger, you need to find ways to commune more, to relate more, to become more in synch with your spirit than before. Its entirely story-based. There's no training, involved, at least it doesnt have to be. An entire adventure could be about you and your zan unlocking your powers, or refining them somehow.

And its not that I dont acknowledge it Sei, its just the approach is not something I would vouch for because it leads to what I mentioned above. You nor Ten, nor anyone knows whats beyond Bankai. It could exist, it could not, but if you want to know for sure, examine the series, and hell even examine the kanji.