Misao Makimachi

Lore & Background

Misao is a kunoichi (female ninja) from the Oniwabanshū clan of onmitsu (spies/ninja) previously based in Edo. Her weapon of choice is the kodachi, a short sword. She is about sixteen years old when she is first introduced. In the work, Misao is often compared to a weasel. Misao is the granddaughter of the former Okashira's wife's sister, not a direct granddaughter of the Okashira himself. She was in the care of the last leader of the Oniwabanshū, Shinomori Aoshi, until Aoshi, Han'nya, Shikijō, Beshimi, and Hyottoko left her to Kashiwazaki Nenji, also known as Okina of the Oniwabanshū, when she was eight. She and Okina had a strong bond, though in Misao's mind, Aoshi remained the best. She also had a special affection for Han'nya, who was always the one to take care of her, but her primary combat training came from Okina (Kashiwazaki Nenji), not from other members. When she heard that Aoshi was in Tokyo, she went to search for him and met Himura Kenshin in Tokyo, then traveled to Kyoto with him.

In Their Own Story

While resting in a forest on the way to Kyoto to defeat Shishio Makoto, Kenshin notices a teenage girl, Misao, defeat four bandits and take their goods. She and Kenshin then began traveling to Kyoto together. They stop near Shingetsu Village, where they meet a young boy who tells them his village is under the control of Shishio Makoto. Misao and Kenshin, later accompanied by Saitō Hajime, free the village. As the story progresses, Misao becomes angry at Kenshin for not depending on anyone else. After Kenshin leaves, she meets Kamiya Kaoru and Myōjin Yahiko. Misao takes Kaoru and Yahiko to Kenshin at his Hiko Seijūrō's home. Misao was shocked at the news of Han'nya's and the others' deaths, and runs back to Aoi-Ya for clarification from Okina. She discovers that Okina went to fight Aoshi, and leaves immediately. She arrives too late to stop the fight and finds Okina barely alive; Aoshi declares he never wishes to see Misao again. She declares herself as the new Okashira of the Oniwabanashū, refusing to recognize Aoshi as the clan's head any longer. Before leaving for the final battle with Shishio, Kenshin promises Misao that he will bring Aoshi back home to Aoi-Ya. During the fight with members of the Ten Swords outside Aoi-Ya, Misao is knocked unconscious after fully receiving a hit from Honjō Kamatari's weapon. Han'nya appears before her in a dream and tells her that Kenshin has kept his promise and is bringing Aoshi back. She wakes up and helps Kaoru defeat Kamatari. She also knocks Kamatari out when he attempts to kill himself to atone for his defeat. After all of the Ten Swords present are defeated, they are saved by Hiko Seijūrō and wait for Kenshin, Sanosuke, Saitō, and Aoshi to return. Kenshin stays in Kyoto for about another month but decides to finally leave with Kaoru. Misao is sorely disappointed when her new friends decide to return to Tokyo, though Kenshin attempts to cheer her up by assigning her to get Aoshi to smile. Misao later returns in the Jinchū arc when Kaoru writes to her asking her to deliver Yukishiro Tomoe's diary to Tokyo before her brother Yukishiro Enishi can exact Jinchū on Kenshin. She and Aoshi arrived with the diary just after Enishi has taken his revenge. Aoshi deduces that Kaoru may not be dead. He exhumes Kaoru's grave and cuts open the body, proving that it is not Kaoru but an elaborate doll. Misao and Yahiko begin a search to find Kaoru. They travel to Enishi's island, where Kaoru is being held. Guided by Aoshi, Misao sets off the bombs in the water surrounding the island, allowing the group to land safely. After Enishi is defeated, Aoshi decides to head back to Kyoto. Misao realizes Aoshi wants to leave so early because he wants to rebury Han'nya and the others in a 'place with more sunlight'. Misao is now happy to go home with 'everyone', and Aoshi finally smiles.

Reader's Guide

Misao was introduced because Watsuki believed that the Kyoto needed an extra heroine character to interact with Kenshin, since Kenshin and Kaoru were separate. He created Misao to be as 'bright' as possible since the story was scheduled to be 'in a dark direction.' Watsuki added that 'It's though Yahiko + Kaoru / 2 = Misao.' The author of Rurouni Kenshin gave her an association with the Oniwabanshū, stemming from the reader suggestion of an Oniwabanshū kunoichi. To prevent additional complications in the storyline, Watsuki wanted Misao as a character who would not develop romantic feelings for Kenshin. Her design originates from Nakoruru in Samurai Shodown (Samurai Spirits); according to Watsuki he received criticism for this. Watsuki believes that she is closer to Mai Shiranui and Yuri Sakazaki from another SNK 'battle-game.' According to Watsuki the setup of the physical design occurred quickly as he 'fussed' with an Oniwabanshū ninja outfit 'a bit.' Watsuki intended for Misao's face and body to resemble that of a young man. While Misao is 16, Watsuki wanted her to appear like a 13-year-old. Watsuki argued with his editors about the inclusion of Misao's braid. Ultimately it was kept since it added emphasis to Misao's movements. Watsuki said that he added the cloak 'just for fun.' The creator of Rurouni Kenshin intended for her to have a 'painful' encounter with Aoshi in the future, but that Misao would 'keep going strong.' Watsuki said that he enjoyed drawing Misao. Her family name originates from a place where Watsuki lived in Niigata. Misao has been played by Tao Tsuchiya in the three live-action sequels to the 2012 Rurouni Kenshin film.

Did You Know?

• Misao is often compared to a weasel in the work.
• Watsuki created Misao to be as 'bright' as possible because the story was scheduled to be 'in a dark direction.'
• Her design originates from Nakoruru in Samurai Shodown (Samurai Spirits), though Watsuki believes she is closer to Mai Shiranui and Yuri Sakazaki.
• Watsuki intended for Misao to appear like a 13-year-old, even though she is 16.
• Her family name originates from a place where Watsuki lived in Niigata.