Somehow she had at least awakened the initial stage of her sword.  It was more powerful than his, he'd heard the legends, but that didn't mean it would be completely painless for her when the sword struck the sword, lightning channeling through it and into her body.  "Not bad," Zhou said, the blade quickly drawing back into itself.  "But remember, Natsumi.  When it comes to a battle, one sword may be superior to the other, but the strength in the person is what will sway the difference.  Had you been fully with your own, the attack would have done naught.  You must synchronize with your zanpaktou."