Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-11003280-20130620163542/@comment-5657895-20130628165616

I think Ukitake's plenty fast, I think the sickness just takes away his durability and his physical strength. Wonderweiss had Espada level capabilities and he took on Bankai Kensei and his 'Super' Lieutenant and still took on Yamamoto, so he wasn't a push over.I think Ukitake could have beaten Starrk, much like Shunsui, as he is technically his equal, he just lacks the durability to fight for an extended battle. Still, he's been a captain for quite a while, sickness and all, so there has to be a reason.

Pretty sure Ukitake has his illness still but Kubo did say before the Blood War arc started that Ukitake would be cured. I expect the cure to have something to do with Ginjou and Fullbringing.