Rae

Yes, see, that's why I asked for perspective! That's a very good point! I interpreted what Kubo said as they didn't feel threatened by Aizen, but I went back and looked and you could also interpret it that way, yes. That view also dovetails with something I was pondering today. Kubo specifically says that he needs to create a disaster "big enough that will leave even Seireitei in ruins" so I'm wondering if maybe it's the fact that Seireitei was touched that brings the Royal Guard out. Maybe they just didn't care at all about, say, the people of Karakura, but if Aizen had shown up afterwards in the Spirit Realm with the King's Key thing, then there would have been business. Same with if Aizen had wreaked more havoc on Seireitei.
Thanks for the thoughts, this arc is going to be interesting! :)