Thanks a million for the review, Underscore. For a rushed review it really was fun to read (loved the "Ready, aim, aaiiiiim, just aim!..." a lot; I rolled for quite some time).
I actually have nothing to say as per the chapter as a whole. I want to see how Kubo follows up with the coming ones. I, however, fear that he might be moving too fast with the plot developments. Here's what I mean: the SS Arc had a very nice flow from beginning to end with the adversaries getting tougher as time went by; the Arrancar seemed to go the other route - the very first adversaries to show up were Espada then Ichigo worked his way up to Aizen, getting stronger with each encounter. But here we have Ichigo already at uber-duber-powerful level up against Kuugo who seems to also be at uber-duber-powerful level and they are already facing off against each other (and it looks like the captains are going to join in the fun cos I doubt Zaraki came along just to announce to Ichigo that he added his reaistsu to the sword). I don't know but I think Kubo skipped some very vital issues and steps. Either that or he is trying out a new plot-progress scheme. So, like I said I'll have to wait for other chapters to properly judge.
I noticed you mentioned some changes in the Shinigamis' appearance but you left out that Komamura seems to have gotten a new haori as well. And I also noticed that there's some question about whether or not Hanatarou is vice. The answer to that would also answer whether or not Hirako is a captain again (if we are to take what Yama said about all captains and vices). But I feel certain that Hanatarou is not yet a vice and that the captain seats are still vacant (unless they have been filled by the Vaizards, which I doubt) because I doubt shikai is enough, by any standards, for promotion to captain status (unless you are Kenpachi 2.0) and neither Hisagi nor Kira showed any signs of a bankai as far as we know. And even if they did obtain bankai, 17 months is not nearly enough time to master it (unless you are Ichigo 2.0); probably why Renji is still a vice.
I doubt the Vaizards took up their former posts because they were four captains and there are three vacancies and I doubt they would leave any of their friends hanging out in the cold. Other option is the other Vaizards became members of the Zero Squad or maybe Yama, being all jolly and gay as he now is, formed a special Vaizard Squad.
So much for not having anything to say about the chapter (I talk too much, I know). Thanks again, dude. I'm really gald you got to review cos I had been checking the site since Saturday and almost gave up hope. Hoping work is not too stressful, and even if it is, that it pays like crazy
A bien tot!