User blog comment:Season8/Rukia Lieutenant???? TO WHOM MY DEAR SIR TO WHOM???/@comment-44061-20120404134020

A. There is not many requirements for how to become a lieutenant, but beyond that Rukia is more then qualified for the position. Any position in the Gotei 13 is based on merit. B. She is clearly Ukitake's new lieutenant C. Byakuya clearly changed his mind on this, anyone who has read the manga can attest Rukia is in just as much danger and probably more so by just following around Ichigo. It therefore is quite clear she can handle herself, so why not let her get promoted. D. The spirit King has no actual role in running Soul Society, so 'it" doesnt figure into the decisions all promotions in the Gotei 13 are handled by the respective captains. E. Sentaro and Kiyone are both co-3rd Seats, prior to her becoming lieutenant the position in the 13th division had not been filled for quite some time since Kaien died. F. Only Rose, Shinji and Kensei got their original positions back as captains as they were vacant positions since Gin, Aizen and Tosen turned traitor and their difvisions already had lieutenants, Kira, Momo and Hisagi respectively.. G. Its not clear if Ichigo's father ever was a member of the Gotei 13, but its quite clear he is not easily recognizable as such. H. Yoruichi and Urahara dont have any positions to go back to and its not likely they would fill those positions if they did, as they seem to prefer their current status.