User blog comment:Tekkphreke/Theory on Ukitake's Bankai/@comment-6812492-20130917150420

I've always wondered if Ukitake's frail health is related directly to his zanpakuto, either simply that absorbing and then using others' powers is taxing, or (crazy theory alert!) that long ago he absorbed and is still hanging onto an opponent's attack, anticipating that he will get a rematch where he can unleash it. Continuing my crazy theory: holding in this power is what makes him frail...and once it's been unleashed he will be back at full strength. It's far-fetched but would that not be epic?