New soutaichou?

If Yamamoto really is a goner, who do you think should take his place? One of the current captains? Do you think the Royal Realm might appoint someone?

I like the idea of Unohana taking over, since I've had a chance to write it that way in my fic. xD

I've said it before but I'll say it again:

From a succession of power stand point, Soifon is most likely the next in line to take up the position of Sotaicho.

Realistically speaking, Soifon is the one who controls the Seireitei on a day to day basis, since she controls the Onmitsukido which is basically the police force. Her only supiriors are/were Yamamoto and the Central 46.

If Yamamoto is incapaciatated, Soifon would likely become the acting Captain-Commander until a permenant replacement is found. Or she may keep the position if she's capable enough.

Other than that, I like Unohana for the spot as well.

Well seems like Yama is blown up - if and only if he really kicked the bucket then I want to see either Unohana, Kyouraku or Ukitake as the next So-taicho cause they are the oldest. And as we've seen they have the most impartial PoV to all things.
But I guess Ukitake is out of it cause he's too sick to even lead his squad most of the time so that leaves Kyouraku or Unohana for me.
My vote goes for captain mom instead of captain lazy :D

Gotta go with Unohana as well. It would ahve to be one of the top three (Unohana, Shunsui or Ukitake) and she's easily the most capable.

Ukitake's poor health means that he wouldn't be able to hack the stress of the job, Kyoraku ahs too many vices (though when he gets serious, he does kick arse), so yeah - Unohana all the way! I also think she'd be capable of controlling the other captains and keeping them from each others throats.

I like the idea that Soifon is the second in line (and I agree that she must be), but I don't think she would be able to keep the position for long. She is already burdened with leading 2nd division and onmitsukido, and she is just too young for the position. I think Unohana is a more likely choice (I don't think Shunsui would do it, and Ukitake has always been too sick to command his own division).

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if Yamamoto literally rise from the ashes. And I haven't been following the manga since Barragan's defeat.

I'd have to think that Unohana would probably become the next soutaichou, because, as Anil said, Soifon has too much already going on to be the next leader. Plus who would lead the second division, Omaeda? Just shoot me now. Even though I think that Unohana would become the next leader, I actually wish that it would be Ukitake.

I think that Unohana would be better if Yamamoto is really dead.

Unohana. No doubt. She's the oldest after Yamamoto and she's, well, she's actually strong. But she's really crucial for the running of the 4th since I seriously doubt Isane can maintain the division without her Taichou. I would love to have Soifon step up, but she's a few centuries too young. Ukitake and Shunsui are possible too. Maybe one of the Vizards? Or Yoruichi or Urahara?