So you want to be a Shinigami

(the information on this topic subject to change without warning please make a note of that)

In order to obtain the powers of a shinigami you must first obtain a zanpaktou (it may be one of your current blades) following this you must be taught to harvest the power of your zanpaktou and manipulate it's hidden power. you will need to let your chakra combine with the chakra inside the blade and release it. it your chakra merges with the blade you will unlock your shikai. if your chakra completly merges with your zanpaktou you will be able to obtain bankai. It would be nearly impossible for a shinobi under the rank Jounin to fully connect with a zanpaktou(so dont say you did)