User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 569 (You've been hit by / You've been struck by / Senbonzakura~)/@comment-11477779-20140219111155

A lot of people are focusing on the few days spent with the Royal Guard. Seems like a lot of you are forgetting the 17 MONTHS between Ichigo defeating Aizen and the start of the Lost Agent arc. You think everyone else was in stasis all that time? They were all training, getting stronger. Those who fought along side Ichigo also seem to gain extra strength. That said, I'm not overly surprised that Rukia and Renji are powerful now. Renji was always fairly strong. I'd say at least average Captain level before going up to the Royal Palace. Still, gotta admit that was an "Oh, snap!" moment on the last page!