Makimachi Misao, granddaughter of the former Okashira of Kyoto's Oniwabanshū ninja group, was orphaned young. Her grandfather entrusted her to Shinomori Aoshi's care. Growing up, she formed a deep bond with Aoshi and his four Oniwabanshū members—Han'nya, Hyottoko, Beshimi, and Shikijō—especially seeing Han'nya as a father figure who trained her in martial arts. At eight, Aoshi and his men abruptly left her with Okina (Kashiwazaki Nenji) at Kyoto's Aoiya inn, an event that scarred her. She remained at Aoiya, assisting with the inn and honing Oniwabanshū techniques under Okina, all while nurturing strong romantic feelings for Aoshi. Energetic, impulsive, and openly emotional, Misao exhibits a short attention span, easily distracted during tasks or talks. Despite her ninja background, she rarely uses stealth, favoring direct confrontation and speaking her mind without hesitation. Her temper flares quickly but fades fast, matched by fierce loyalty to those close to her. Petite in stature, she has black hair in a chin-length cut with a long braided ponytail, greenish-blue eyes, and typically wears a blue Oniwabanshū shinobi shozoku with a pink obi. Live-action adaptations sometimes show her in a light lavender uniform with a yellow obi. Her skills derive from Oniwabanshū-ryū combat training, specializing in kunai throwing and hand-to-hand kempo. Notable techniques are *Kansatsu Tobikunai* (Piercing Flying Daggers), throwing multiple kunai simultaneously with lethal precision, and *Kecho-Feri* (Monster Bird Kick), her signature flying kick. Live-action versions feature *Kaiten Kenbu Rokuren*, a spinning slash followed by a scissor attack. She also possesses heightened hearing. Searching for Aoshi during the Kyoto Arc, Misao encountered Himura Kenshin. Learning he knew Aoshi's location, she journeyed with him to Kyoto. Discovering Aoshi had allied with Shishio Makoto and critically wounded Okina, she severed ties and declared herself the new Okashira. She fought alongside Kenshin's allies against Shishio's forces, battling Honjō Kamatari. During this fight, a vision of Han'nya reassured her Kenshin would return Aoshi safely. After Aoshi's redemption, she focused on aiding his emotional recovery, persistently trying to make him smile. In the Jinchū Arc, Misao retrieved Yukishiro Tomoe's diary at Kaoru's request, delivering it to Tokyo with Aoshi. After Kaoru's apparent death, she and Myōjin Yahiko searched for proof of her survival. Aoshi deduced Kaoru lived, leading Misao to join the rescue mission on Enishi's island. There, she detonated underwater mines with kunai, enabling the group's safe landing. Following Enishi's defeat, she returned to Kyoto with Aoshi to rebury Han'nya and the others in a sunlit spot. In the epilogue, she stayed at Aoiya with Aoshi and the Oniwabanshū, attending a reunion picnic with Kenshin's allies.