Spoilers and sibling rivalry after the cut.
It looks like the path will be going through Nakk le Varr's battle against Yoruichi before Valkyrie or the rest get their turn.
My hope is that Valkyrie's fight isn't resolved off-screen (off-page?) like Yammy's was. Then again, that one was so ridiculous that it's not like Kubo left himself much of a choice.
Yoruichi seems to have painted herself into a corner against Nakk le Varr. She and Yuushirou have both taken a turn on the offensive and the result is that Nakk le Varr has used his "Lethal Dose" power to effectively negate any attack by their reiatsu.
Now, since this is Yoruichi we're talking about, I'm in no way willing to concede that she's lost the fight. In fact, Nakk le Varr's overconfidence in his ability will likely lead to his own demise.
Also, Yoruichi's a big cheater just like her good buddy Urahara. That association between her and the former 12th captain practically guarantees that she'll be moving on alive.
Meanwhile, Ichigo and co. have been sent ahead. Since they'll no longer be a factor against Nakk le Varr and Valkyrie is currently engaged, that leaves the big three of the Vandenreich to be dealt with. My guess is that both of the elite Stern Ritter battles will be resolved before Ichigo takes on Ishida.
How it'll play out is anyone's guess, though.
