Bleach's combat system is largely defined by zanpakuto, or soul-cutting swords, and most characters have one to call their own. It's the standard weapon of a Soul Reaper, but Sosuke Aizen later created an army of unmasked Arrancar, all of whom had their own zanpakuto. Each of these contain Hollow powers, and some are truly devastating.
Ulquiorra Schiffer was the 4th Espada, one of the first Arrancar to ever appear in Bleach. However, he fought barehanded at the time and kept his zanpakuto sheathed until much later, when Ichigo Kurosaki witnessed its full devastating power for himself.
The Form & Powers Of Murcielago, Ulquiorra's Zanpakuto
Ulquiorra's zanpakuto is named Murcielago, the Spanish word for "Bat." This fits a loose trend among the Arrancars, whose zanpakuto's names and final forms are based on an animal. In its sealed form, Murcielago is a regular katana well-suited to dueling. Its handguard, or tsuba, somewhat resembles an eye. This zanpakuto has no special powers or attributes until Ulquiorra releases it, stating the command phrase "Imprison, Murcielago."
Murcielago's true power in Bleach is so immense, Sosuke Aizen did not allow it to be released inside the fortress of Las Noches. When Ulquiorra releases Murcielago, it creates an immense sea of spirit energy and Ulquiorra gains a new form. His Hollow mask remains become symmetrical, with a long horn on each side, and he grows bat-like wings that allow him to glide freely through the air. With Murcielago released, Ulquiorra can charge up and fire the dreaded Cero Oscuras, a black cero blast whose destructive power was overwhelming even for Ichigo in Hollow mask mode. His hierro skin is hardened as well.
Unique among the Arrancars in Bleach, Ulquiorra can release his zapakuto a second time, pushing Murcielago into a state called the segunda etapa, or second state. Not even Aizen has seen this state or its power, so when Ulquiorra was ranked among the Espadas, Aizen was only factoring in Murcielago's first released state. In theory, Ulquiorra's second state could have earned him a higher rank.
Murcielago's segunda etapa modifies Ulquiorra's body again, removing all clothing and granting him thick, black fur from the waist down with clawed feet and hands. He also has a long, whip-like tail that can slap or grab his enemies. In this form, Ulquiorra can regenerate his body rapidly, even if he loses an entire limb. However, Murcielago's powers only go so far -- if he loses his internal organs, they are gone for good.
Finally, the segunda etapa grants Ulquiorra access to the Lanza del Relampago, an energy javelin that can either be used up close or thrown from a distance. Once it strikes a target, it will explode with colossal force. Ulquiorra can generate another such spear shortly after throwing the first one.
Ulquiorra's Use Of Murcielago In Bleach
Compared to other Arrancar such as Grimmjow Jaegerjaques and Szayelaporro Grantz, Ulquiorra made remarkably little use of Murcielago in Bleach. He was powerful enough to carry out his missions and defeat enemies barehanded, yet he still hadn't drawn Murcielago by the time he and Ichigo fought their first battle inside Las Noches during the Hueco Mundo arc. Finally, as the Fake Karakura Town arc began, Ulquiorra faced Ichigo again and drew Murcielago at last. He quickly proved himself a deadly swordsman with Murcielago's sealed state, but once Ichigo donned his improved Hollow mask, Ulquiorra decided to release his zanpakuto.
In this state, Ulquiorra was too fast and powerful for even Ichigo at his best to handle. Ichigo refused to give up despite his injuries, prompting Ulquiorra to perform his segunda etapa and claim it as the ultimate despair. He proved these words with a show of force, and as Orihime and Uryu watched, Ulquiorra killed Ichigo with a single blow to the chest.
Ulquiorra had the tables turned on him before long though, as Ichigo resumed the fight with his Vasto Lorde form. The 4th Espada demonstrated his ability to regenerate lost limbs, but once his internal organs were destroyed with a powerful cero blast, he knew he was doomed. Ulquiorra struck one last blow to knock Ichigo out of his Vasto Lorde form, then dissolved into dust before everyone's eyes.
