The most necessary component of all Zanjutsu is Jinzen (刃禅, Blade Zen/Sword Meditation). Technical skill aside, Jinzen is the deciding factor in whether one can truly ascend to the plateau of a master. This is primarily because Zanjutsu is not solely the art of swordsmanship, but rather, the art of wielding a zanpakutō. The zanpakutō is a sentient entity, one capable of thought, communication and feelings in the same way as other beings. This is because the zanpakutō spirits are, in fact, a physical expression of one's soul, alternatively regarded as the inner world (内世, Naisei) and are thus another portion of a Shinigami's power. Those who manage to synchronize enough with their zanpakutō spirit are capable of manifesting their Shikai and Bankai states. In addition to attaining a slew of