Impressive chapter. Not so many stuff included in it so the story didn't really progress but the emotion in it was decent. My bet is that Byakuya did die.
Edit: Do people actually believe that Kenpachi stands a chance? Oh boy..he is about to get the beating of his life and most propably he will also die. That's the last boss no matter his identity. Eyepatch or not Ken is going down.
from the way its going it looks like most of the known Shinigamis will die and then we might see the Zero Squad (Royal Guard) finally or maybe we might also see the Soul King (Spirit King) to fight the Quincies