Shirojou

Shirojou is dependable and comfortable with the quiet domestic life the surviving Kyoto Oniwabanshuu have built at the Aoiya. Rather than seeking new battles after the end of the shogunate, he directs much of his daily effort toward the inn and the unconventional family gathered there.

He is protective of Misao and treats her as someone under the collective care of the older Oniwabanshuu. His willingness to return immediately to combat when the Aoiya is threatened shows that the peaceful life he has adopted has not weakened his loyalty to his comrades.

Shirojou is a trained Oniwabanshuu ninja with experience in covert operations and combat. Although the manga gives him substantially less individual fighting material than major Oniwabanshuu members such as Aoshi Shinomori, he remains capable enough to participate in the defense of their Kyoto headquarters.

His distinctive weapons are bracer-like gauntlets that can be launched as projectiles in a manner similar to oversized shuriken. This allows him to attack without closing directly into conventional sword range.

Outside combat, Shirojou is also an accomplished cook and handles Japanese cuisine at the Aoiya.

Shirojou is introduced as part of the Kyoto branch of the Oniwabanshuu when Misao returns to the Aoiya. He and his companions represent the part of the organization that remained in Kyoto after the Bakumatsu rather than following Aoshi.

When Shishio's Owl Clan scouts attack the Aoiya, Shirojou and the other resident ninja demonstrate that the inn's apparently ordinary staff are still trained operatives. They repel the attackers while the wider conflict surrounding Makoto Shishio escalates.

Shirojou later participates in the defense of the Aoiya during the Juppongatana assault. He and the other Oniwabanshuu are badly injured during the fighting, but continue supporting the defense as the battle escalates with the arrival of Saizuchi and Fuji.

Nenji Kashiwazaki is Shirojou's senior within the Kyoto Oniwabanshuu and the leader under whom he works at the Aoiya.

Misao Makimachi was raised with the assistance of Shirojou and the other resident Oniwabanshuu, making him one of her caretakers and trusted comrades.

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

Aoshi Shinomori is the younger leader associated with the Oniwabanshuu's previous generation, whose actions during the Kyoto conflict affect the entire group.