Background:

Misao is the grand-daughter of the of the previous leader of the Oniwabanshuu. Never knowing her parents, she has grown up with them over her entire life. Aoshi was told to take care of Misao after her grandfather's death. During that time, she gained a small liking towards Aoshi. Misao respects Aoshi as a great leader and has a special place for him in her heart. She had always played with the four men when she was young and managed to learn some kempo from Hannya.

When the turmoil ended, the Oniwabanshuu separated, and stayed with the few that remained in Kyoto. Misao would still play with them for a while, but was left in the care of Okina, when Aoshi and a few of their other comrades disappeared. Misao was devastated when she found out they had left during the night.

Misao grew older and traveled throughout Japan searching for them. She would hear word about the Oniwabanshuu and would go to look for them.

Rurouni Kenshin Series:

We first meet Misao at the beginning of the Kyoto arc, when she was 16 years old. She tried to steal some money from thieves and met up with Kenshin. Along the way, Misao mumbled the name Aoshi, which caught Kenshin’s attention. Misao suspected that he knew something about him and his friends and started chasing after him, wanting answers, having no idea they died. She continued to think that Aoshi was still better than Kenshin, even after some messy events.

Misao found out that her friends have died, after meeting up with Kaoru. She learn that Aoshi wanted the title of the strongest, and Kenshin in a fight and give it to his comrades. After seeing the fight between Okina and Aoshi, she announced that she would become Okashira, to protect the people of Kyoto. She becomes friends with the Kenshin-gumi. She tried hating Aoshi when he became evil, but deep inside her, she really wanted him back. She cried when Kenshin promised to bring him back to her.

When Kamatari knocked Misao down, she had a dream of the past and Hannya came to speak with her. She was told that Aoshi was going to return to her, which lightened up her spirit some. After the fight, Aoshi returned to the Aoiya. Misao’s eyes gleamed in happiness while filled with tears. Seeing that Aoshi has finally returned really made her happy.

Misao spent some of her time going to the temple and watching Aoshi. She was extremely happy when she heard that Aoshi was willing to have tea with Kenshin. It made her realize that he will slowly open up. She took the Kenshin-gumi to the train station and watched as they left Kyoto. She turns back to the Aoiya with more spirit.

Anime:

We meet Misao again throughout the Christian Arc. Misao took part in finding out the hiding place of the Christians in Japan.

At the end of the Christian arc, Misao followed Kenshin and the others back to Tokyo. She stayed there until Omasu and Okon came to pick her up, along with Aoshi. At first, she had refused to leave, thinking that Aoshi only came because Okina asked him to, but was later talked into going back home. She bought Aoshi a present before leaving and promised to visit Tokyo with him next time.

Manga:

In the Jinchuu arc, Kaoru writes a note to Misao asking her to bring Himura Tomoe’s diary from Kyoto to Tokyo, hoping to stop Yukishiro Enishi from putting their lives in danger. Misao leaves Kyoto to Tokyo with Aoshi.

When Misao arrived, she finds out that she was too late, and Koaru had already died. Later she found out that the corpse was just a puppet. She helps Kenshin to get to the island where Kaoru was being held. She didn't fight in any battles, since Aoshi told her to stay behind at the dojo.

End of summer, Misao leaves for Kyoto along with Aoshi. Of course, she wanted to stay longer, but understood that she must leave, to get her friends before it’s too late.