Ochika

Ochika is caring and dependable, sharing the close familial relationship that exists among the Aoiya's resident Oniwabanshuu. Her treatment of Misao reflects years of living together rather than the formal distance expected between ordinary comrades.

She has adjusted to the peaceful Meiji period without forgetting her former responsibilities. When danger reaches the Aoiya, she responds as a trained member of the organization and fights beside her companions.

Ochika possesses the ninjutsu and combat training expected of a Kyoto Oniwabanshuu operative. Her principal demonstrated weapons are distinctive ku-shaped shuriken, which allow her to attack enemies from a distance.

She works particularly effectively as part of the Aoiya group. The Kyoto Oniwabanshuu coordinate their attacks and defenses using the familiarity developed through years of training and living together.

Although she receives fewer individual battles than Misao or Okina, Ochika is not simply an inn employee. Her ability to confront armed attackers establishes that her civilian occupation conceals genuine shinobi training.

Ochika is introduced among the Oniwabanshuu who welcome Misao back to the Aoiya during the Kyoto Arc. She remains at the inn as Shishio's operations bring the conflict closer to the group.

She participates when the Owl Clan attacks the Aoiya and later helps defend the building against the Juppongatana. The assault forces the former ninja back into the type of combat they had largely left behind with the end of the Bakumatsu.

Ochika and her comrades are injured during the battle, but their resistance helps prevent the Juppongatana from simply overwhelming the Aoiya before additional defenders can confront the attackers.

Misao Makimachi is someone Ochika helped care for within the Aoiya household, giving their relationship a familial quality beyond ordinary membership in the same organization.

Nenji Kashiwazaki is Ochika's senior in the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu and the head of the Aoiya household.

Omasu, Shirojou and Kurojo are Ochika's closest working comrades at the Aoiya.

Aoshi Shinomori belongs to the same Oniwabanshuu tradition, although his actions during the Kyoto crisis create a serious rupture within the group.