So I'm still sort of wondering what exactly that thing that Ukitake destroyed the Soukyou with? A gigantic "Seal" type magic device?

Ukitake Jyuushiro is the 13th Squad (Rukia's old squad) Captain right? That shield-type thing that roped down the Soukyou had a crest that read "Shihouin" and is supposed to be from that family or something. How the hell did he get it? Way too Deus ex Machina for me. ... Tho I callously admit that I thought it was sorta cool...