Kubo still has to resolve a lot of things + let's not forget about his love for flashbacks from the past, so I think we're still to see 80+ or so chapters.
I don't think that Ichigo 'likes' anyone of the female characters in a romantic way. He loves his family. B-but because I'm a hardcore Ichi/Hime fan, I do hope that Kubo will make it an otp. I do like Rukia, but I don't ship Ichi/Ruki: they're just a very good friends, who's always there for each other. Rukia liked Kaien-dono, and Ichigo reminds her of him. Renji/Rui makes more sense.. and I root for this pairing.
Oh, wow. This ep. was pretty good, especially Naruro vs. Sasuke: loved all those slow/fade/sparks effects. And yes, the 'lingering' and that part where Sakura was defending Naruto's feelings was something!!