, in the Media Blasters dub, is a character from the fictional Rurouni Kenshin universe created by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
Misao is a 16-year-old girl and the youngest member of the ninja group called Oniwabanshū. She leaves her home to find her missing leader Shinomori Aoshi, but instead she encounters with Himura Kenshin during her journey to Kyoto alone. She soon proves herself a valuable ally and temporarily makes it to the status of leader. She develops strong romantic feelings for Aoshi.
Character
Misao is a kunoichi (female ninja) from the Oniwabanshū clan of onmitsu (spies/ninja) previously based in Edo. Her weapon of choice is the kunai. She is about sixteen years old when she is first introduced. In the work, Misao is often compared to a weasel.
Creation and conception
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.
Background
Misao is the granddaughter of the former Okashira of the Oniwabanshū. She was in the care of the last leader of the Oniwabanashū, Shinomori Aoshi, until Aoshi, Han'nya, Shikijō, Beshimi, and Hyottoko left her to Kashiwazaki Nenji, also known as Okina of the Oniwabanashū, 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 and taught her how to fight. When she heard that Aoshi was in Tokyo, she went to search for him and ran into Himura Kenshin on the way back to Kyoto.
Kyoto Arc
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. He interrupts her midway through the altercation, but she views him as a bum. She attempts to take his sword but Kenshin easily avoids her attacks. She and Kenshin then began traveling to Kyoto together. They stop near Shingetsu Village, where they meet a young boy. He tells them that 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, who has become rather attached to Kenshin, becomes angry at him for not depending on anyone else. After Kenshin leaves, she met Kamiya Kaoru and Myōjin Yahiko. She recognizes a picture of Kenshin posted on the wall of a restaurant called Shirobeko. Misao takes Kaoru and Yahiko to Kenshin at his Hiko Seijūrō's home. On the way back, Yahiko remembers that he forgot to warn Kenshin about Aoshi, who he had seen in Kyoto a few days before, and says it out loud. Misao had heard of this and demands to know about Aoshi; Kaoru complies, grateful for the chance to see Kenshin again.