Obscure developments on Urahara's end, as per the norm, but all in all not too bad. Cameo for the Visored! Which is nice.
I think, given that Ichibei's defeat is all but a foregone conclusion, it's not strictly necessary that that duel be drawn out. On the other hand, from a lore perspective, I would like the duelists to drop some more juicy hints about the origins of Soul Society and ye olde ancient times.
Money's on Yuushirou being a chap, rather than not. :3