Thread:Saris Khan/@comment-24384232-20141211031559/@comment-136273-20141211220055

Kido spells are indeed highly versatile, but they have their own drawbacks. Anyway, the wall you've mentioned requires the realisation of what Zanjutsu really is to break through: Zanjutsu is one of four combat styles. An element of a whole.

Whilst it is good to specialise in a particular field, there's a point where this becomes a so-called "crippling overspecialisation". I can easily imagine this being applicable to any of the Zankensoki fields. This is exactly the reason why Shinigami should, and indeed do, train extensively. What good is your bladework if you can't catch up with your opponent? What good is your Kido prowess if the enemy approaches you abruptly mid-incantation and slices your throat?

Zanjutsu really shines for as long as the practitioners fight with sealed swords. Once we get to releases the bladework often loses its importance. Not always, though. Some releases retain bladed forms that boast additional special abilities. These powers often help the art of the sword to stay effective at high-level combat.

For instance, my Fanon Espada character Voldan Xezharros (he has obtained the knowledge of the Zanjutsu forms through various means) has a Resurrección which works extremely well with a bladed weapon. His special abilities do not detract much from pure Zanjutsu but rather serve as means of augmenting its performance.

To sum up, I've never claimed nor intended Zanjutsu to be viable means of high-level combat on its own. The other skills are always important. Of course, this is not real world we're talking about, fists and swords can break my bones hold their own against magic tricks without much support (but it's welcome anyway). Remember Gin Ichimaru? Zaraki Kenpachi? Or when Aizen cut down Komamura's Bankai with a single slash? Yamamoto's Ikkotsu and Sokotsu? When it's necessary even simple Zanjutsu or Hakuda do deliver.