They are seriously stretching the end of this arc. Very little happened in this episode. It's getting a worn out expression to say they are just building the foundation for things to come, but that's what this was, and nothing else. Well, at least the bounto seem to be aiming for an all-out, indiscriminating revenge as they are trying to get the masses of the slums restless.
The next episode should be Kariya vs Byakuya. I have a bad feeling about that, but hopefully the battle will be interrupted before they have any real chances of making Byakuya lose.
The Golden cup was excellent once again.
Edit: I don't know what is early about this? The Kariya vs Byakuya battle? Or what do you mean?