Makino is the proprietor of Partys Bar in Foosha Village, a small settlement on Dawn Island in the East Blue. She first appears in the television special One Piece Episode of Luffy: Hand Island no Bōken during flashback sequences that recount the origins of Monkey D. Luffy. In these scenes, she is shown as the calm and warm-hearted keeper of the local tavern, a role she has held for many years. Makino has a gentle and patient demeanor, always greeting patrons with a kind smile and maintaining a composed presence even when dealing with rowdy or dangerous customers. This unflappable nature is matched by a quiet courage; she does not shy away from serving pirates or mountain bandits, and she treats all visitors with equal respect. Her primary motivation is to look after the people of her village, especially the children, and to preserve the welcoming atmosphere of her establishment as a safe gathering place.

Within the narrative of the special, Makino's role is tied to Luffy's early childhood. She runs the bar where a young Luffy spends much of his time, pestering the Red Hair Pirates to let him join their crew. She is present at pivotal moments that shape Luffy's journey: she witnesses his accidental consumption of the Gum-Gum Fruit, and she is there when the pirate captain Shanks loses his arm to the Lord of the Coast while saving Luffy. Through these events, she becomes a steady, supportive figure who encourages Luffy's dreams without judgment. Her relationship with Luffy is one of affectionate guardianship; she acts like an older sister or a nurturing caretaker, watching over him and his friends as they grow. She also shares a warm rapport with Shanks and his crew, treating them as regular and trusted patrons rather than feared outlaws. Beyond Luffy, she is shown to be acquainted with the mountain bandit Curly Dadan, bringing supplies to her hideout, and with the village mayor Woop Slap, with whom she often discusses Luffy's progress.

Across the few glimpses the special provides, Makino experiences little personal transformation herself, remaining a constant pillar of her community. Her development is reflected indirectly through her continued support of Luffy from afar after he sets sail, and in later scenes set after the timeskip, she is seen caring for a baby, suggesting her life has moved forward in new directions. Makino does not possess any combat abilities or supernatural powers. Her notable skills are those of a tavern keeper: she is adept at hospitality, manages her business single-handedly, and shows a practical knowledge of cooking, serving, and maintaining a lively social space. Her true strength lies in her emotional intelligence and steady kindness, which make her a trusted confidante and a quiet source of stability in the lives of those around her.