Shikai: Its release command is
Kuchibuewofukita (口笛を吹く, "Whistle!"). This command doesn't seem to change the form of the Zanpakuto at all, and instead simply allows access to the abilities which the sword possesses. It unleashes a gust of wind down the blade which curves around its length before going still. Yokokaze is a kidou type zanpakuto with extreme melee capabilities, which has the ability to manipulate the wind to enhance its strikes.
- Kakkire (掻っ切る, Slash): An ability which adds wind powered blades to a single strike made by Saori, which follows the path of her original strike adding slashes to each hit and making it seem as if the target has been hit multiple times in a single moment. The number of these added slashes is anywhere between one and thirty meaning the blade itself can launch between one and thirty-one strikes with every slash of the weapon. This number can be controlled and decided upon by Saori and is often done in cockiness so that only the number of slashes necessary will be used to fell an enemy.
- Itohse (射通す, Pierce): A secondary ability of the Yokokaze which concentrates all of its energy into a single forward thrust. It creates a concentrated laser of swirling wind which can pierce and penetrate a soul from a distance. Much like the original attack of the weapon, it is also capable of being multiplied by the number of holes presented in the guard of the blade.
Bankai: Shugotenshi Yokokaze (守護天使横風, Guardian Angel Cross Wind) when released, turns from a single sword to 30 full specteral blades 10 of which hover behind Himotoya acting as a pair of wings which she can use for flight. Beyond this the other 20 hang in the skies around her and can be used at will directed by hand or even controlled with her mind to make them fly and cause major or minor damage as she sees fit.