Oniwabanshu

The existence of this group or organisation dates back well into the Tokugawa era. Its original function was not only to protect Edo castle from harm but also to act as an intelligence gathering organisation. During the rebellion, members of this group were considered enemies of Kenshin since they worked for the shogunate. However, its role in the rebellion was limited because before Edo castle could be attacked, the shogunate had surrendered.

Following this, during the Meiji era, many of the members of the Oniwabanshu decided to live peaceful and quiet lives. In the anime, a few who decided to do this were Okina, Shiro, Okon, Omasu and Kuro. Then, there were those who could not live such a life. They only knew the "way of the sword". These members, in the anime, were Aoshi, Hannya, Shikijo, Beshimi and Hyottoko.Despite this difference in its members, all of them had two things in common. One was that they were totally loyal and dedicated to their leader and that they all cared for Misao.

In the end, this group will come to play a critical role in the anime with the main focus of attention being on Aoshi who is by far the best and most complex character of the group.