User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 545 - Blue Stripes/@comment-5657895-20130709152835

I guess Shunsui doesn't intend for Ichigo to go back to the human world at all, or the battle might be so dangerous that it's best Ichigo says a final round of farewells. I think Kubo is hinting that Ichigo will be permanently joining the Soul Society, in whatever capacity. Shunsui doesn't seem to have any qualms about breaking convention or relying on humans like Eijisai did.

They hinted at this further, when Yuzu wonders where Ichigo is. Seems to be building up to the fact that Ichigo won't be coming home permanently and that he'll be staying in the Soul Society. Course, I expect we'll get a two chapter farewell fest for Ichigo with his friends and then one for his family.