It just wasn't the same without Ichigo! I'm glad he's back with a new look and presence that rivals his Dangai preparation from way back. He may be "running snakeway" like Goku, but Ichigo definitely looks better doing it.
I hope that Kenpachi and Ichigo arrive at the exact same time, and they both go on a rampage while having a friendly competition, and then be caught off guard by the leading scorer Grimmjow/Aizen!
In all seriousness, I wonder if Shinji and the others involved in the war can showcase some of their teamwork and training. Though by the sound of that last line, they'd be lucky to even hold off long enough it seems. Also, I wonder how long Urahara will be satisfied with being on the sidelines, it looks like he got a bit motivated by that phone-call from Ichigo too. With him and Mayuri still around, anything is possible. There are also a lot of Captains/Allies who have yet to appear.