Read more about Misao Makimachi at: Wikipedia

Official Site: Viz Media

is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Rurouni Kenshin created by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

Misao appears in the story after Himura Kenshin leaves Kamiya Kaoru and his friends and goes to Kyoto alone. In the Media Blasters dub of the television series, she is known by her western order name, Misao Makimachi. Her seiyū is Tomo Sakurai and her English voice actress is Philece Sampler.

Misao is a fairly skilled ninja/kunoichi from the Oniwabanshū clan of onmitsu (ninja) previously based in Edo. Her weapons of choice are the kunai. Misao is about sixteen years old when she is first introduced. In the work Misao is often compared to a weasel.

Misao was introduced because Watsuki felt that the Kyoto arc 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 very 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.

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