Ukitake

Biodata

Background

Ukitake is one of Soul Society’s longest-serving captains and a disciple of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. His chronic illness often leaves him bedridden; the Soul King’s Right Arm halted the illness but did not cure it. During flare-ups, he coughs blood, and Kiyone Kotetsu uses Kaidō to ease his symptoms 3 4 5.

After Lieutenant Kaien Shiba’s death, Ukitake left the Thirteenth Division’s lieutenant position vacant rather than transfer a candidate from another division. He later acknowledged that the vacancy had hurt recruitment and morale 12 13.

Personality

Ukitake is a gentle captain who takes pleasure in seeing his division members improve. He recognized, however, that he and others had been too gentle with Rukia over Kaien’s death, comforting her without helping her move past her guilt 4 18.

His concern for his subordinates can override his respect for Soul Society’s rules. Convinced that Rukia’s execution was irregular, he resolved to stop it even if doing so meant opposing his teacher, Yamamoto 28 34.

Abilities & Skills

Kidō

Ukitake can use defensive Kidō to intervene in combat.

• Bakudō #39: Enkōsen — He formed a circular shield to block Miyako Amamiya’s Licht Regen during the lieutenant selection match 13.

Soul Reaper arts

Ukitake offered Miyako guidance in swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, movement, and Kidō. Because his health could prevent extended instruction, he instead offered to compile study materials 18.

Equipment

• Twin-bladed Zanpakuto — Ukitake is one of the few Soul Reapers known to carry a twin-bladed Zanpakuto. Few people know its ability, partly because his illness keeps him from fighting often 12 17.
• Heavenly Gift Armaments — A Shihōin Clan artifact capable of destroying the Sōkyoku. Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku used it to bind and destroy Gōkakyū during Rukia’s execution 32 35.

Relationships

• Miyako Amamiya — Ukitake recruited Miyako into the Thirteenth Division, appointed him lieutenant, and worked with him to rescue Rukia and investigate Aizen’s plans 3 13 34 43.
• Rukia Kuchiki — His subordinate. He recognized her ability, encouraged her to move beyond Kaien’s death, and defied the execution order to save her 4 35.
• Kaien Shiba — His deceased former lieutenant, whom Ukitake remembered as an outstanding Soul Reaper. Ukitake personally explained the circumstances of Kaien’s death to Kūkaku Shiba 3 15.
• Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentarō Kotsubaki — His devoted acting lieutenants, who help manage division affairs. Kiyone also treats his illness with Kaidō 3 5.
• Shunsui Kyōraku — His close friend and fellow captain. Shunsui joined Ukitake in opposing Rukia’s execution 21 34 35.
• Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto — His teacher and the Captain-Commander. Ukitake was prepared to fight him to stop Rukia’s execution 4 34.
• Byakuya Kuchiki — Rukia’s adoptive brother and a fellow captain. At Byakuya’s request, Ukitake had prevented Rukia from challenging higher-ranking officers; he later lifted the restriction 6.

Story Role

Miyako joins the Thirteenth Division

Ukitake took an interest in Miyako after hearing about his early graduation and wish to join the division. He explained that only Seated Officers were stationed in the World of the Living, then assigned Miyako to Ukigi City after his rise to Fifth Seat 3 6 7.

After Miyako defeated Sentarō in a selection match, Ukitake blocked Miyako’s final attack and declared him the division’s new lieutenant. He later arranged study materials to help Miyako develop his Soul Reaper skills 13 18.

Rukia’s execution

When Rukia lost her powers after transferring them to a human, Ukitake and Shunsui secured permission for an investigation and for the Thirteenth Division to retain custody of her. Ukitake regarded her subsequent Sōkyoku sentence as disproportionate and listened to Miyako’s suspicion that someone was manipulating events 25 28.

As the execution approached, Ukitake agreed that it had to be stopped, persuaded Shunsui to help, and unsuccessfully asked Byakuya to oppose it. On Sōkyoku Hill, Ukitake and Shunsui destroyed Gōkakyū while Miyako and Renji worked to free Rukia 32 34 35.

Aizen’s plans

After Aizen’s betrayal, Ukitake and Miyako searched the Great Spirit Art Corridor and discovered that Aizen had studied the Ōken Creation Method, which required a hundred thousand souls and a spiritually dense area such as Karakura Town. They reported their findings to Yamamoto 43 44.

Ukitake also investigated Kūgo Ginjō’s betrayal before Ichigo received a Substitute Soul Reaper License. Unable to change the system, he gave Ichigo the license and privately warned him that Soul Society had imposed it. He later assigned Miyako and Rukia to help defend Karakura Town against Aizen’s forces 43 44 47.

Notable Quotes

“Kaien upheld his dignity as a Soul Reaper right up to his death. By deliberately running onto your blade, he was protecting that dignity too. And he also wanted you to inherit it—to inherit his will.” 4

“Even if I have to cross swords with Master Genryūsai, I’ll stop this execution.” 34

“The coming storm will sweep across the Three Realms, and none of the Gotei 13 can stay out of it.” 44