Well, that's not what I was expecting. Some interesting backstory though... so the old guy founded the school that became soul society. I wonder what they did about hollows before then? Did someone appoint him or was he just a random dead guy that learned how to use spiritual powers? I hope they explain some of this later on. It is kind of cool that the two captains took a huge risk for Rukia and are now (fairly calmly) taking the consequences of what they have done.

And they really are juggling a lot of fights here... And the next ep is going to be (based on the preview)back on earth???? >_<