Kurojo

Kurojo is loyal, protective and strongly attached to the people living at the Aoiya. His concern for Misao is especially clear when the actions of Aoshi Shinomori place Okina in danger; Kurojo understands how deeply the confrontation will affect her.

Like his fellow Kyoto Oniwabanshuu, he has adapted successfully to life after the Bakumatsu. He can perform ordinary work at the inn without abandoning the discipline or solidarity developed during his years as a shinobi.

Kurojo is a trained Oniwabanshuu operative and capable close-range fighter. He uses a large staff, giving him considerable reach and allowing him to fight without relying on a sword.

He also employs bracer-like gauntlets that can be thrown as large shuriken. His equipment reflects the Oniwabanshuu preference for unconventional weapons and techniques rather than conventional samurai swordsmanship.

His competence is demonstrated when the Aoiya comes under attack. Kurojo and his comrades are able to deal effectively with enemy scouts despite having spent years living comparatively peaceful lives.

Kurojo appears when Misao returns to the Aoiya during the Kyoto Arc. He continues working within Okina's intelligence network and delivers information connected with Kenshin's search for the Arai family.

The threat to the Aoiya increases as Shishio begins moving against Kenshin's allies. Kurojo helps repel the Owl Clan reconnaissance force and later joins the defense when members of the Juppongatana attack the inn.

After Okina secretly leaves to confront Aoshi, Kurojo and the others initially avoid telling Misao the full situation because they know how painful the conflict between two members of her family will be.

Kurojo is wounded during the Juppongatana attack but remains part of the Aoiya group that survives the assault.

Nenji Kashiwazaki is Kurojo's senior and the central figure around whom the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu operate.

Misao Makimachi is one of the people Kurojo helped care for at the Aoiya. He is protective of her and concerned about the emotional consequences of the conflict within the Oniwabanshuu.

Shirojou, Omasu and Ochika are Kurojo's fellow operatives and coworkers at the Aoiya.

Aoshi Shinomori is a fellow Oniwabanshuu whose obsession with defeating Kenshin creates a painful division within the group and leads him into conflict with Okina.