Misao Makimachi

Misao is cheerful, impulsive and extremely direct. She expresses excitement, anger and affection without much restraint, creating a sharp contrast with Aoshi's almost impenetrable composure. She is stubborn enough to continue searching for the Oniwabanshū despite having little reliable information about their whereabouts.

Her apparent recklessness is balanced by strong loyalty. Misao treats the Oniwabanshū as family and refuses to abandon people she cares about, even when doing so places her in danger.

She matures considerably during the Kyoto conflict. The circumstances surrounding Aoshi force her to confront painful truths about someone she idealizes, and she responds by accepting greater responsibility for the people at the Aoiya.

Misao is a trained Oniwabanshū kunoichi specializing in agility and kunai. She can throw multiple blades accurately while moving at high speed and is capable of fighting trained opponents despite her small build.

Her signature attack, Kansatsu Tobi Kunai, uses thrown kunai in rapid succession. She combines projectile attacks with the mobility and evasive movement expected of an Oniwabanshū operative.

Misao is not on the same combat level as Aoshi or Kenshin, but she is considerably stronger than an ordinary fighter. Her speed, stealth training and willingness to coordinate with allies make her particularly effective in group combat.

Misao encounters Kenshin while traveling in search of Aoshi and the other Oniwabanshū members. She initially tries to steal from him before learning that he knows the people she is seeking. Kenshin withholds the full truth because he knows how painfully their Tokyo story ended.

After returning to Kyoto, Misao rejoins Nenji Kashiwazaki and the Oniwabanshū at the Aoiya. She eventually learns that Hannya, Beshimi, Hyottoko and Shikijō died in Tokyo and that Aoshi has aligned himself with Shishio in pursuit of Kenshin.

Misao assumes the position of Oniwabanshū okashira after rejecting Aoshi's destructive path. She later fights alongside Kaoru against Kamatari during the Juppongatana attack on the Aoiya.

Following Aoshi's return, Misao remains a close ally of Kenshin's group and later travels to Tokyo during the Jinchū conflict.

Aoshi Shinomori is Misao's former guardian, leader and the person she admires most deeply. Her feelings for him include romantic affection, although Aoshi expresses his own attachment far less openly.

Nenji Kashiwazaki raises Misao at the Aoiya after Aoshi and his four subordinates leave Kyoto.

Hannya helped care for and train Misao during her childhood, making his death particularly painful for her.

Kenshin Himura becomes Misao's traveling companion and trusted friend after they meet on the road to Kyoto.

Kaoru Kamiya becomes one of Misao's close friends and later fights alongside her at the Aoiya.

Yahiko Myojin joins Misao and Kaoru during the defense of the Aoiya.

Makoto Shishio becomes Misao's enemy through both his campaign against Kyoto and his manipulation of Aoshi.