MAKIMACHI MISAO
A member of Oniwabanshuu who later became the leader of the group because their group leader, Aoshi, left them. She's a young, strong, brave and skilled fighter. She first met Kenshin on her way to Kyoto. She was planning to steal money from a group of men when Kenshin showed up and stopped her. Misao has strong feelings for Aoshi. She then followed Kenshin arround and realizes that he knows something about Aoshi who she was looking for. Kenshin, on the other hand, who thought that Aoshi was dead decided not to tell Misao about him. Later, Misao discovers that this red-headed guy is the infamous Hitokiri Battousai.
SHINOMORI AOSHI
The Okashira of the Oniwabanshuu. He was known as a "genius spy" and got the title since the age of fifteen. He was one of Kenshin's adversaries.
When the Meiji restoration came about, he decided to take some of his members (Beshimi, Hanya, Hyotoko, Shikijou) and travel as spies for their group. He continued being the leader of the Oniwabanshuu from a distance.
Later, they were hired by an evil business man (Kanryuu) to act as his bodyguard. However, they were defeated by Kenshin's group. The four members died and only Aoshi was able to live. Since then, he swore before the graves of his friends that he will become the strongest. He decided to train himself so that he will be ready to face Kenshin again, beat him and get the title as the strongest swordsman in Japan. He lost again and finally realized his mistakes and stupidness which brought dishonor to his group. He then went back to the Oniwabanshuu to ask for forgiveness. After healing his wounds, physically and emotionally, he became the Okashira of the group again.