Became leader (Okashira) of the Oniwabanshuu (a group of spies established to protect the Tokugawa shogunate) at age 15, which shows he's a genius. Refused to take up posts in the Meji government because it meant he would have to abandon the Oniwabanshuu menbers not offered jobs, instead opting to wander all over Japan with them as paid fighters. Turned all dark and evil after his followers were killed. Blamed Kenshin, wanted to kill him, but in the end became a good guy again.

*hearts for eyes* Isn't he absolutely gorgeous? Intense blue eyes, jet black bangs... *swoon* He almost makes me wish I was fictional instead of real, just so that I could breathe the same air as him!

It's not just the looks, though. He's cool, dark, mysterious, powerful, and very responsible besides, which a lot of guys aren't. *hint hint*

A lot of fics portray him as a very angst-ridden sort of guy under the strong exterior, very insecure about the world in general and Misao in particular. ^.^ That may have been true at some point, but personally I feel that after his bout of meditation, he's found his answers and laid his demons to rest. Plus, Kenshin commented towards the end of the manga series that though others may not understand Aoshi, he would always understand himself. This makes all Aoshi angst-fics set after the Kyoto arc totally irrelevant! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA! =)

Just as an aside, Aoshi is one of the most modern dressers in the series. I simply love his trenchcoat and biker gloves, not to mention the ninja/ onmitsu outfit! (even if the former two are wrong for the period, I think.)