Jūshirō Ukitake/Anime Continuity

is the captain of the 13th Division in the Gotei 13. His former lieutenant was Kaien Shiba.

Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

During the Bount Invasion, Captains Ukitake, Kyōraku, and Tōshirō Hitsugaya look for information on the Bounts while in the laboratory. He also helps announce the news to the other high-ranking officers about the missing information who probably would not have come in if they knew it was Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi who had ordered the meeting.

He seems about to act when Rukia comes under attack in her weakened state, however, Byakuya acts swiftly enough to save her. While Ichigo is battling Jin Kariya, Ukitake alongside his 3rd seat officers, Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentarō Kotsubaki and the rest of his squad are assigned to assist in locating and sealing the remaining Jōkaishō with the help of Ran'Tao while the battle is watched by others.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake is present at the captain's meeting when Yamamoto introduces Shūsuke Amagai as the new captain of the Third Division. Ukitake appears pleased with Amagai's appointment, and personally welcomes the new captain once the meeting is over, offering him any help and advice should he need it. When Amagai suggests that the divisions of the Gotei 13 need to learn to cooperate more with each other, Ukitake verbally sticks up for him at the captain's meeting, reminding all present that Aizen, Tōsen, and Gin were able to deal them such a blow because they exploited the very weaknesses that Amagai wanted to eradicate.

After the meeting, Ukitake and Kyōraku take the newest captain out for a drink. They commend Amagai for his idea and advise him not to get too upset over other captains feeling uneasy about it. Ukitake is surprised by how easily Amagai gets drunk and is even more shocked when the drunken captain flattens him with a hug to thank him for his support. After he passes out, Ukitake decides that he likes Amagai before helping Kyōraku bring Amagai back to his barracks. They are alerted to the presence of Menos Grande as they are in the middle of completing this task.

When Ukitake returns to his own barracks, he informs Kiyone and Sentarō that he believes this supposed Menos Grande attack to be some sort of ruse, much to the surprise and awe of his bickering subordinates. Ukitake continues to wonder why anyone would do this and just who could be responsible for it as he couldn't sense the presence of any Menos Grande and could only feel the Reiatsu of the hostile divisions currently roaming the Seireitei. It is then that Yamamoto appears and reveals himself to be the culprit. He explains that he wanted to test the reactions of the Gotei 13 and just how Amagai would deal with the situation.

Days later, when Yamamoto orders for the household of the Kasumiōji Clan to be infiltrated, Ukitake and Kyōraku take their divisions and enter the weapons facility of the Bakkōtō workshop, subjugating it with relative ease and firmness. Later, he and some of the other captains discuss the current situation and the measures being taken, confirming that they had secured the workshop. It is then that he, Kyōraku, and Yoruichi reveal to them all that Amagai was really the enemy and that the entire event was orchestrated by him. Shū Kannogi shows up then and explains that Amagai has gone after Yamamoto. Ukitake is present with the rest of the captains when Amagai ends his own life.

Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Alongside 6th Division members, Ukitake watches a sparing match between 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Lieutenant Renji Abarai. He congratulates Renji on becoming more proficient in his Bankai's use. Byakuya's mood seems to change which leaves abruptly, causing him and Shunsui to wonder what is wrong. Later that night he, along with all other higher ranked officers of the Gotei 13 are summoned to Sōkyoku Hill by order of Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Upon the arrival of Captain Hitsugaya who asks him what is happening he details that he really doesn't know and apparently no one else is sure either. There, they are witness the arrival of the 1st Division lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe, who collapses, as everyone readies themselves for a possible attack, a mysterious man appears, who reveals that the Captain-Commander will be unavailable presently. Upon hearing this Ukitake witnesses Captain Komamura move to attack releasing his Bankai against the mysterious man only for it to turn on him, much to everyone's surprise. Upon a release of Reiatsu a large being appears before Komamura and fights with him and easily dispatches him as all in attendance look on in complete shock. They are then informed once they all try to release their Zanpakutō they are plainly told by the mysterious man that their Zanpakutō are no longer under their control and that now the Zanpakutō will rule the Shinigami. He then sums the Zanpakutō Spirits to him.

Ukitake questions what the mysterious man means by stating that Zanpakutō will rule, to which the mysterious man details it's exactly as he has said. Shunsui states the he is taking this whole thing seriously, but is more concerned where Captain-Commander Yamamoto's whereabouts are. The mysterious man details that Yamamoto has been sealed away as his Zanpakutō Ryūjin Jakka was unwilling to join forces with them. He then states that he had Minazuki, Katen Kyōkotsu, and Sōgyo no Kotowari seal him with their Reiatsu. Ukitake is outraged that such a thing has taken place. Upon this realization a battle breaks out between the Shinigami and the Zanpakutō Spirits. The following day, Shunsui, Unohana, and Ukitake set up a communication base at the Fourth Division barracks following the manifestation of the Zanpakutō and their subsequent attack on their Shinigami counterparts. They discuss the situation with Yoruichi who tells them she will return to the Real World and inform Urahara of the situation.

Ukitake returns to the temporary HQ, where Shunsui explains that he still has not found out the whereabouts of Yamamoto. Ukitake then explains the ongoing plan of sending Captain Suì-Fēng's forces as well as the other divisions out to track down and subdue the Zanpakutō. He and Shunsui then discuss the turn of events surrounding Byakuya, who has disappeared. Unohana arrives and details that while severely injured Rukia is stable, but still unconscious. She then explains to them that 12th Division has asked for test subjects and she has just returned from assisting Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. The two captains are quite surprised that she went to see him personally. They are shocked by what Unohana has learned from Captain Kurotsuchi. As she confirms their worst fears, noting the Zanpakutō Spirits are completely independent from their former masters and if they are not careful in how they deal with them they could end up destroying their Zanpakutō.

Sometime later, they discuss the possibility that defeating the Zanpakutō spirits will destroy the Zanpakutō themselves. It is decided that they will have to quickly get used to combat without their release or else it could be costly for the Gotei 13 forces. Shunsui, Unohana, and Ukitake debrief Ichigo Kurosaki about his fight with Muramasa. Ichigo details that Muramasa doesn't use brainwashing to control the Zanpakutō Spirits and that he is just amplifying the frustration the feel on the regular basis to turn them. He makes note that the only way to obtain them back is for the wielder to face their Zanpakutō spirit and force it to submit to them. Ukitake is happy that they have found a way to finally get their Zanpakutō back, but Shunsui notes that its going to take a while for everyone to track down their own Zanpakutō and beat them in battle. As their opponents aren't just going to wait for them. They are then interrupted as Renji and Zabimaru arrive so they can be be asked if there is anything else they can use to further the situation. Zabimaru unfortunately doesn't remember anything about being controlled and can't help. He later appears alongside Shunsui, Suì-Fēng and her Stealth Corps as they arrive to surround Hōzukimaru, but he uses his Bankai to get away. However, they manage to obtain Gegetsuburi.

The Shinigami discuss Byakuya's betrayal, and the discovery that if a Zanpakutō is killed by anyone other than its owner, it will be unusable. After the meeting, Ukitake resolves to be the one to inform Rukia that her brother Byakuya has turned traitor.

Ukitake arrives after the battle in the 6th Division barracks along with Shunsui. They apologize for being late. Ukitake stops the poisoned Rukia from getting up and asks her if she found out what her brother was up to. Ukitake decides to join Shunsui, Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ichigo, and Yoruichi on a search-and-rescue mission for Yamamoto. The party finds the cave by tracing Yamamoto's Reiatsu. The party splits up; Ukitake accompanies Shunsui to a distant corner of the cave, where they encounter the spirits of their Zanpakutō. Sōgyo no Kotowari fall down on top of Ukitake and ask him to play a game; deciding on "Fetch the Fan," they produce two fans that begin to glow and spin, hurtling toward Ukitake like saw blades.

Despite desperately trying to reason with the twin spirits, their mischievous nature makes them refuse to listen. He is forced to constantly chase them through the caves, it is not until he threatens to stop playing with them if they don't hand over their fans that they stop. They trick him and try to blast him, but Ukitake ducks out the way in time. They run off again and begin to play a game of hide-in-seek with Ukitake, much to his annoyance. They try to ambush him with an attack, but he uses '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''' to counter the attack. When the twins try to attack him from both sides he surprises them by catching them both, but they kick him in the face break free and run off. Ukitake finally realizes that the games that they are playing are just a delay tactic, allowing Muramasa to use Ichigo for something of importance.

Upon sensing a huge explosion originating from Ichigo's power, Ukitake rushes to the location to find Yamamoto freed, but greatly troubled. He learns that Yamamoto was not imprisoned as Muramasa claimed, but rather Yamamoto produced the barrier to protect himself from Muramasa's plans to use Ryūjin Jakka. When Muramasa says that he has no need for the other entities anymore, Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari attack him, but end up having their physical forms destroyed by Ryūjin Jakka. Muramasa makes his escape, while Yamamoto reveals to the others that Muramasa intends to destroy the Gotei 13 with it. Ichigo, Yoruichi, Ukitake, Shunsui, and Yamamoto are surrounded by a wall of flames created by Ryūjin Jakka. Yoruichi escapes underground through a fissure she opens using Shunkō, but Tobiume uses her fireball to cave it in behind Yoruichi, preventing the others from following. Ichigo attempts to escape by jumping over the wall of flames, but is unsuccessful. Yamamoto reveals that Muramasa's plan is to destroy Karakura Town in order to free his owner, Kōga, who has been sealed there. Ichigo makes a final attempt at jumping over the wall of flames and just before he is defeated and completely enveloped in fire, Hyōrinmaru and Hitsugaya arrive to save him. Hitsugaya and Hyōrinmaru both activate their Bankai and, together, get Ichigo out of the flames so that he can head to Karakura town to stop Muramasa while Yamamoto, Ukitake, Shunsui, Hitsugaya, and Hyōrinmaru stay back to defeat Ryūjin Jakka together.

Beast Swords arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake discusses the attacks by Tōjū with Kyōraku, Rukia, Sode no Shirayuki, and Senbonzakura, while his restored Zanpakutō Spirit, Sōgyo no Kotowari, plays near the group. He commends Rukia and the spirit of her Zanpakutō for their hard work along with Kyōraku and advises her that she did the right thing in bringing the captured Tōjū to the Twelfth Division. The twins get rowdy and he tells them to quiet down, and they comply.

Later while discussing how to deal with the Tōjū, Ukitake and Shunsui are repeatedly beaten by Katen Kyōkotsu in a card game, resulting in Ukitake and Shunsui being forced to perform penalties for their respective Zanpakutō Spirits. During this time, they happen to mention how it may be better for their spirits to reside in their sword form, which make the spirits very unhappy, with the twins assaulting Ukitake. While accepting it, they have Nanao go to Captain Kurotsuchi in the hope that he can find a way to restore the fallen Zanpakutō Spirits.

Gotei 13 Invading Army arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake and Kyōraku meet Hitsugaya outside of the First Division Barracks and they discuss the mission that Nanao and Rangiku are currently completing in the World of the Living. When Hitsugaya gets annoyed and storms off after discovering Nanao's involvement in Rangiku's responsibilities, Ukitake states that it is a nice feeling to be able to worry about normal things once more and that it was a sign that things were finally beginning to settle down in the Soul Society. Later, whilst discussing the disappearance of Nanao and Rangiku, Ukitake suggests that they may might have been involved in an accident while in the Dangai, which Kurotsuchi disagrees with. When the lieutenants show up and insist only three hours have passed, Ukitake comes to the conclusion that time within the Dangai must be out of sync somehow. He is present at the meeting when the team is assembled to survey the Dangai World. He is with Yamamoto when Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Renji return with Ichigo's Substitute Shinigami Badge.

Ukitake admits that the Badge was the one he had given to Ichigo, but he still does not believe that Ichigo could be involved with the disappearances within the Dangai World. Kyōraku agrees with him. They are then informed that Ichigo has been broken out of confinement by Rukia. Along with at least Kyōraku, Yamamoto, and Unohana, Ukitake is one of the captains that have not been replaced by a Reigai. Ukitake and Kyōraku continue to be suspicious of the situation, and they meet up at a secret location. Their concerns center around how everything seems "too perfect", with too many captains agreeing that Ichigo should be arrested immediately. Ukitake still doesn't believe Ichigo is responsible, but cannot figure out why all the evidence is pointing towards him. He and Kyōraku go the the Shinigami Research and Development Institute in order to have another look at the records of passages through the Dangai World. Kyōraku makes up a lie at Ukitake's expense in order to see the restricted files. They discover that somebody has altered the records, but before they can search any more, Suì-Fēng shows up with the Onmitsukidō to arrest Kyōraku on suspicion of being the culprit.

Ukitake then appears before Central 46, in order to plead Kyōraku's innocence. They inform him that no captain can dispute their judgement, as he leaves the chamber. He comments upon their pig-headedness, as Unohana appears before him. She states that the mastermind behind this incident will not reveal himself easily, as Ukitake undergoes his own secret investigation into the matter, prompting Unohana to wish him luck in his task. Later, Ukitake appears before Kyōraku's cell, immobilizing the Shinigami guarding it.

Ukitake states that they are to attend a summons by the Captain-Commander, in order to determine the cause of the incident. Kyōraku comments upon the uncomfortable nature of his cell, prompting Ukitake to berate him for not realizing the seriousness of the events. As Kyōraku resolves himself, Ukitake hands him his katana, as they proceed to head to the 1st Division barracks. However, Ukitake is dealt a critical wound to the chest by Kyōraku, who reveals that he was a Reigai. He comments that it was too easy to defeat him, as Ukitake slumped to the ground, incapacitated. As he prepares to deal the final blow, however, the Reigai counterpart of Ukitake intervenes, telling him that they have more pressing matters to deal with at the moment.

Ukitake later appears alongside Kyōraku at Kagerōza Inaba's lair, proceeding to surround the 7th Seat with the other Shinigami. He proceeds to charge at Inaba, but stops when the Reigai jump down and protect Inaba. The Shinigami then face off against the Reigai, with Ukitake fighting against Reigai-Retsu Unohana with Kyōraku. However, Reigai-Isane Kotetsu intervenes, utilizing Hadō #58 Tenran against him. Ukitake demands to know how Inaba managed to purloin the Mod-Soul information from the Dangai, to which Inaba reveals he was responsible for the development of the Mod-Souls. Ukitake states that his research was too dangerous to be continued, and the Project Spearhead was terminated by Central 46. However, Ukitake states that the true reason his research project was terminated was because they saw the technology as a threat to the peace.

Inaba states that he could not forgive those who disallowed his research, prompting Ukitake to ask whether this is why he wants to resurrect Project Spearhead. He confirms this, promptly breaking the Limiter Bracelets upon the Reigai's forearms, as several more Reigai surround Ukitake and Kyōraku. Ukitake tells Kyōraku to prepare for battle, as the Reigai charge at him. He dodges a blow from Reigai-Shūhei Hisagi. Eventually, Ukitake and the other captains are forced to retreat. Later, they return in time to help Ichigo and Kisuke against their Reigai pursuers. Ukitake quickly teams up with Kyōraku to dodge a blow from Kyōraku's Reigai and then to battle Reigai-Sajin.

Soon, the Reigai begin increasing in numbers and devastation, acting whomever they can. As Ukitake and Kyōraku find themselves pressured by Reigai-Ikkaku and Reigai-Shūhei, the lieutenant Shinigami return and aid their respective captains. Despite this assistance, the Reigai still pressure the Shinigami. Byakuya Kuchiki then realizes the truth behind the Reigai's battle style: they value self-preservation the most and won't attack first in fear of being outnumbered.

Later, the resurrected Ōko Yushima begins his endgame, using his Renzan: Hajō kūri technique to begin destroying the Soul Society. Before the Shinigami can act, the Reigai step forward, saying that they will stop their fellow Mod-Soul's chaotic plan as their goal has always been to protect the Soul Society in their own way. Reigai then destroy the technique at the cost of their own lives. Later, with war won, Ichigo and the others prepare to return home. Before they leave, Ukitake returns Ichigo's Shinigami badge. He also offers Kon a smaller one in gratitude for his efforts, but he proudly turns it down, preferring the charm he got back from the late-Nozomi. Later, knowing that Ichigo's powers may again falter, he assigns Rukia to watch over Ichigo to prevent him from fighting too much.

Powers & Abilities
Kidō Master: Ukitake has above-average knowledge of Kidō, which allows him to assists in the resealing of the Jōkaishō. He is able to perform fairly high-level spells without incantation,