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ship_manifestoTitle: In Your Eyes
Author: Hikaru (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sake_butterfly)
Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin
Pairing: Shinomori Aoshi & Makimachi Misao
Spoilers: All of the manga, all of the anime.
E-mail: catadamon at gmail
Forward: I tried to approach this from a perspective of never having seen Rurouni Kenshin before, or having seen very little. However, because the story of Rurouni Kenshin is too massive to explain here, it would help to have at least a little knowledge of the series and its characters.
The Oniwabanshuu
It’s only logical to first approach what the Oniwabanshuu is, so it will give people who are unfamiliar with this part of the story, a better understanding of Aoshi and Misao’s environment before actually getting to their studies. The Oniwabanshuu are the original protectors of Edo Castle. However, during the Bakumatsu no Douran, the Oniwabanshuu never had their chance to help the government as the battles took place in Kyoto, not Tokyo (Edo). The Imperialist army won, the Tokugawa Era ended, and the Oniwabanshuu were forced to go into secrecy—as the new Imperialist regime had no place for warriors. Most of the Oniwabanshuu left the group to take jobs in the new era, however there were four who could not—Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya. These four men were so dedicated to their art, they had become literal freaks of nature, and could therefore not take their place in society. Because of this, their Okashira (or leader), Shinomori Aoshi decided to also not move on with his life, but instead stay with his fellow warriors and friends, and live in the shadows.
Shinomori Aoshi
A prodigy of the Oniwabanshuu, Shinomori Aoshi was named Okashira at the young age of fifteen. He always has a solemn face and never lets his true feelings show—making him the perfect warrior. At first, he practices kempo, using a kodachi (a sword between the lengths of a katana and a dagger) as defense. He and his four companions have set off to Tokyo to find work for warriors. Aoshi appears in the series fairly quickly (volume 3 of the manga, episode 8 in the anime) presenting a formidable enemy for Kenshin.
Makimachi Misao
Makimachi Misao has loved Aoshi all of her life. As the leader of their ninja group, the Oniwabannshu, she's respected him, admired him, and adored him. Her parents and grandfather (the former Okashira) died when she was very young, leaving Aoshi and Okina (who Misao refers to as Jiya) to take care of her. When she was eight years old, he left with Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya, without even saying goodbye. However, she holds on to the faded memories of "Aoshi-sama" from her childhood. When she was old enough, she ventured out to chance whispers of her dear Aoshi-sama's whereabouts, only to return home empty handed. She lives at the Aoi-ya with Okina, and four other remaining members of the Oniwabanshuu (Okon, Omasu, Shiro and Kuro).
Meet the Oniwabanshuu Okashira...
Aoshi and the other [known] members of the Oniwabanshuu are introduced as employees for an opium dealer, named Takeda Kanryuu. It is never explained in great detail why Aoshi has agreed to act as bodyguard to Kanryuu. It is hinted that he is doing it as a favor—maybe even blackmailed into it—but Aoshi takes no pleasure in the job. Only the thought of being able to fight the Hikitori Battousai inspires Aoshi to "protect" Kanryuu—as to relive the days when the Oniwabanshuu fought to defend Edo Castle. If Aoshi wins the fight, that means he can adorn the Oniwabanshuu with the title of the "strongest." After a long fight, Kenshin wins against Aoshi, but Kanryuu and a gatling gun interrupt them. Kanryuu decides to kill both Aoshi and Kenshin, therefore making him the strongest. Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya, doing their duty, protect their Okashira from the gatling gun and all four die in the process. Aoshi himself gets shot four times in the leg. Kenshin puts Kanryuu out of commission, but it’s too late. When the police arrive, in the manga, the four fallen Oniwabanshuu are missing their heads. Aoshi, who is carrying the heads, finds Kenshin, and says that they will fight again in the future. In the anime, the bodies are missing entirely, and we see that Aoshi has buried them on the mountains. He swears that he will adorn their graves with the title of the "strongest."
A thief in the night...
Misao is first introduced as a theif who encounters Kenshin on his way to Kyoto. She relates her story to Kenshin, leaving out names—saying she is just looking for "someone." But in her theiving, Misao gets herself in trouble with the yakuza, which Kenshin helps her out of by showing off some of his swordsmanship. Misao is impressed, but tells Kenshin that her "Aoshi-sama" is much more powerful. Himura is shocked to even hear that name again, much less find out that Aoshi is the man that Misao is trying to find. He knows the tragedy that befell Aoshi and his companions, and does not have the heart to tell Misao what happened. He does, however, accidently let "Shinomori Aoshi?" slip out of his mouth in his shock. So Misao knows that Kenshin knows who Aoshi is. She decides to follow Kenshin anywhere, because he is the only piece of solid informtaion to the whereabouts of Aoshi and the others she has encountered. In her adventures with Kenshin, Misao comes to realize that Aoshi and he must have fought at some point... and since Kenshin is still living, that means Aoshi must have lost...
For revenge, for love
Since the Oniwabanshuu storyline is B plot, Aoshi is not mentioned again until the next arc, the Kyoto arc, where his true role comes to pass. During the several months after the fight, Aoshi has been training in the mountains, improving his kempo and kodachi techniques. He even perfects the technique of Kodachi Nitouryuu, a move that could only be used by his predecessor, by himself. However, his strength comes at a great cost. Due to his obsession with killing the Battousai, Aoshi gives himself into chaos and in doing so he loses all remains of the man that he once was. He swears he will fight Kenshin again, win, and then kill himself. On a tip from Saitoh Hajime, Aoshi heads to Kyoto to find Kenshin. On his way Shishio Makoto’s group attempts to bring Aoshi into their fold—but fails (an important event for later). Because of his connections in Kyoto, Aoshi first contacts Okina to ask him to find the Battousai. Okina has already been introduced to Kenshin (via Misao) and has been told of the events that happened in Kanryuu’s mansion (Note: Kenshin told him this—Misao still has not been told). Upon seeing Aoshi, Okina tells him how happy Misao would be to see him. The Okashira brushes it off, saying he has no intention of seeing Misao. Why? Because he knows his soul is already tainted and he wants her to have nothing to do with it. Even in this state of mind, Aoshi is still looking out for Misao’s welfare. Okina refuses to tell Aoshi where Kenshin is because he too realizes Aoshi has changed for the worse. Angry, Aoshi threatens to go to the Aoi-ya and "ask" the four remaining Oniwabanshuu members where the Battousai is. Again, Aoshi discounts Misao, because it is still his desire to not involve her in anyway. Okina still refuses, warning Aoshi that if he intends to join Shishio Makoto’s group, he will become an enemy. If that happens, then Okina will be forced to kill him. In the end, Aoshi joins Shishio’s group, because they volunteer to give him information on the Battousai’s whereabouts. They tell him that the Battousai has been seen at the Aoi-ya—and that they have sent spies to force the information out of the Oniwabanshuu members. As Shishio’s group discusses their plans, all Aoshi can think of was the little girl he left sleeping in the Aoi-ya eight years ago...
Shishio’s men are not up to the task of taking the Aoi-ya by force, and are sent back with a message: A challenge to Aoshi from Okina.
Meanwhile, in the mountains of Kyoto, Misao is with Kenshin and co., where the truth about Kanryuu’s mansion is finally revealed to her. Misao is devastated to hear that her friends are dead. But even more damaging is the description of Aoshi she is given. When Yahiko tells her Aoshi is in Kyoto, she races back home only to find Okina (and all of his battle gear) missing. The other Oniwabanshuu members at the Aoi-ya hesitantly tell her about the duel, and where it is.
Racing as fast as she can, Misao finally arrives at the location of the duel. But she is too late. Okina falls and she watches, wide-eyed, as his bloody body falls limply to the floor. Her beloved Aoshi stands over the old man, brandishing two bloody kodachi. He leaves in silence. But just as he is about to disappear, Misao calls to him "Why?!" Aoshi doesn’t give her an answer. Instead, he tells her to give a message to the Battousai—he will be waiting in Shishio’s fortress. He also tells Misao to "Get out of his sight," and that "he never wants to see her again."
At this point, it is probably a mystery why anyone would want to ship this couple, because it is obvious that Aoshi is pushing Misao away—- which he is. But it is not for lack of interest in her. No, it is because he is trying to protect her from the monster that he has become. He could have killed Misao that day, but he did not. Some fan interpretations have him raping Misao after the duel, but there is nothing in cannon to support that. If anything, that would put the nail in the coffin of Misao’s affections. What Aoshi does is convince himself that he is pure evil, and needs love from no one, not even his "family." And killing Okina would be the final step in becoming the man who would kill the Battousai. But his subconcious will not let him cross that bridge. In the end, Aoshi does not even kill Okina. He survives—so there is a chance for hope for Aoshi’s soul...
After the duel, Misao absolves to make Aoshi an enemy. To protect her way of life, she proclaims herself the new Okashira. This is where her adolescent crush for Aoshi ends. Secretly, it is becoming something much stronger. Okina recovers and makes a request to Kenshin to kill Aoshi, because he is the only one who can. While Misao swore to forget all about Aoshi, hearing Okina's request breaks her heart. However, Kenshin declines, and explains to everyone that Aoshi still has good in him (for the reasons discussed in the previous paragraph). Instead, Kenshin promises to bring Aoshi back to Misao. As he says these words, tears come forth for Misao—she is so relieved and happy from just hearing Kenshin’s promise. As much as she tries to convince herself that she hates Aoshi, she still cannot help but love him.
But as Kenshin finds out in Shishio’s mansion, keeping his promise will not be that easy. Aoshi is changed, and grown in strength. However, Kenshin talks some sense into the (now former) Okashira—telling him that using an excuse of his four dead friends to become such a monster was shaming their spirits, and making them into demons. He also tells Aoshi about Misao claiming the mantle of Okashira. Aoshi replies, although he’s not happy that she has taken up the life of a warrior, she is a "strong girl." Kenshin then tells him of Misao crying while he made the promise to bring Aoshi back to her. Aoshi is taken aback. Why does she still care about him so? Aoshi is defeated once more, but by a "paper-thin" margin. He says he will keep help Kenshin keep his promise to Misao and return to the Aoi-ya... accepting the consequences of his actions. It is his belief that everyone at the Aoi-ya must hate him after what he did to Okina.
After the defeat of Shishio Makoto, Kenshin and co. return to the Aoi-ya, with Aoshi. When Misao sees Aoshi, she bursts into tears, and runs towards him. Despite everything that he has done, all the pain she has been through, Misao can still accept him with open arms.
From here the manga and anime go in two different directions, neither really giving Aoshi/Misao as much attention as the Kyoto Arc does. But here are a few choice clips of evidence...
The umbrella incident and the Son of God Arc (anime only)
In the episode directly after the Kyoto Arc explores what happens to the characters after Shishio. One of the small segments is dedicated to Misao and Aoshi. Misao, looking everywhere for Aoshi, is told that Aoshi is at the shrine meditating (something he does all the time now—to repent). Later on in the episode, Misao notices that storm clouds are moving in. She runs to the shrine with two umbrellas, and waits outside the shrine for him. The rain stops, and Aoshi still is meditating. Misao then leaves the shrine. But then the screen pans back to Aoshi, and he is watching Misao with a funny look on his face.
The beginning of the Son of God Arc starts from Misao’s POV. An aristocrat is begging for Aoshi’s protection, but he refuses to give it. Misao goes in his stead. However, she gets in way over her head. Aoshi senses that Misao is in danger and runs (barefooted XD) to the aristocrat’s house, only to catch Misao after the "Son of God" attacks her. Aoshi glares at the man, and cradles Misao’s body close to his. From there, the arc loses it's focus on the pairing.
To My Angel Misao - Episode 89 (anime only)
After the Son of God Arc, Misao comes to live with Kenshin and co. in Tokyo. But not for long. Okina sends Aoshi, Omasu and Okon (or in the anime, Ochika) to fetch Misao. But instead of being happy to see Aoshi, she is mad that he only came because Okina asked him. It is then brought to Misao’s attention that Aoshi never does what he is asked, unless he wants to. Misao assumes this means that Aoshi wants her to come home with him. The girls of the cast go out on the town, leaving Aoshi and Kenshin time alone to talk. During said talk the subject of Misao comes up. Aoshi still views her as a little girl, but Kenshin tells him "She’s not a child anymore..." Aoshi’s face falters as this realization dawns on him.
At the end of the episode, Misao gives Aoshi a kamifuusen (paper ball), because he bought her one when she was little. Aoshi replied. "You never change, do you?" Which aggravates Misao. She declares that she is not a little girl anymore. She then asks Aoshi to come with her shopping next time. He agrees—a big step for him!
Enishi Arc (manga only)
While the Aoshi/Misao from after the Kyoto Arc on are sparse in the manga, they are very choice, and some of the most heartwarming scenes I have ever read in a manga. WARNING: HUGE SPOILERS FOR THE ENISHI ARC FOLLOW!
Aoshi and Misao travel to Tokyo together, carrying Tomoe’s diary at the request of Kaoru. When they find out about her "death," Misao is devastated. Kaoru was a best friend and a big sister to her. Misao cries, alone, into the night. But, just outside, is Aoshi. Watsuki (in his never-ending brilliance) gives us a very touching scene showing just how deep their relationship is already. It cannot be described properly in words, so here’s a scan:
It’s from the Japanese manga, so read from right to left.
The first time I read that scene, I nearly cried. It’s so subtle, so touching—and nothing is ever shown. Did Aoshi then go comfort her? I would like to think so. It also shows how much Aoshi has changed since we last saw him. Before, he would just have ignored her cries. Now, at least, he is in sync with Misao’s emotions.
But the one moment in all of the manga that is the undeniable proof of the pairing, is when Aoshi fights Gein. After the fight, all that is left is fire and rubble. Saitoh, who is investigating the scene, finds Aoshi—and the Okashira is still alive. Saitoh makes a brash comment about being surprised that Aoshi survives the battle (given his incline to suicide during the Kyoto Arc). Aoshi replies that he had to survive, because "someone is waiting for me." Scene cut to Misao sleeping soundly at Kaoru’s house. She smiles and starts saying Aoshi’s name.
Kenshin Kaden (manga only)
Kenshin Kaden is an artbook/storyguide for the manga. At the end of the book there is a special color short story that takes place five years after the end of Rurouni Kenshin. Misao and Aoshi arrive together, and look very close. Misao’s braid is missing, and she is sporting a hairstyle that goes to her mid back. Aoshi is growing a ponytail (which was illegal for men in the Meiji era by this point). Why the hairstyle change is up for debate. Watsuki could have wanted to redesign every character for the oneshot. I, however, believe it is because of symbolic reasons. After everything that the two have been through, Misao realizes she still loves Aoshi, and comes to understand him as a person, not a figment of her memory. When this realization hits, she cut off her braid, signifying a new beginning in her life. Aoshi, on the other hand, is growing his hair to either a) piss of the new government, b) as a symbol of how long Misao and he have been together—or c) a combination of the both. Since Aoshi is not the type to do something just to vex someone (or something), I lean towards option b.
Reviving the ghost of a warrior
I fell into this pairing by pure accident. I do not even remember how exactly it happened, but I ended up reading Tin’s "Of Love and Honor" and was instantly fascinated by the characters. At the time, I was aware of the plotline to Kenshin (and had seen the OAVs), and some of the characters, but nowhere did the Aoshi/Misao pairing enter into the equation. Originally, I was all about Hiko and Kenshin (not as a pairing—just the characters). But after I finished OLH, I was hooked on the pairing and read everything that I could find on them. I then ventured into the fandom, with very little knowledge, save for what I knew from fan fiction that I had read, and wrote my own fan fiction. It was terrible, of course. Over the next year or so, I started collecting all of the Rurouni Kenshin manga, as well as the anime, because I wanted to know all I could about this coupling. So, in essence, this pairing is what brought me into the Rurouni Kenshin fandom. Since then, I’ve written over twenty stories for the pairing, and am still going six years later.
I am of the mindset that Aoshi's love for Misao stems from his original intentions of protecting her to uphold his promise with her grandfather. Misao regards Aoshi in the highest mind-- much to his annoyance. Misao doesn't realize that Aoshi can make mistakes, and can become the monster he eventually does become, because she has this idolized vision of "Aoshi-sama" in her mind that she holds fast to.
Until Aoshi returns to the Aoi-ya after the fight with Shishio. All her illusions are destroyed after that, because she realizes how false they were to begin with. The invincible Aoshi-sama is defeated. Badly. And all that is left is a shadow of the man he once was.
I am sure the next few weeks of Aoshi being around Misao again, she would come to realize that the picture she had of Aoshi in her mind is completely different than the true man. After all, she was eight when he left, so the only memories she had of Aoshi were of a small child. As we grow, things that we thought were unflawed begin to have a harsh light shone on them that reveals bumps and cracks. Despite that, she sticks with him through the Son of God arc (in the anime) and travels alongside of him back to Tokyo to deliver Tomoe's diary (in the manga). If she were so completely disgusted by the harsh reality of Aoshi's true ethos, then she would hardly stick by him. She holds onto the hope that she can help him one day recover what he lost, or at least retrieve a fraction of it, since the both of them have become very different people than when they were last together.
Aoshi, obviously, is not completely oblivious to Misao's feelings, but he is uncertain on how to return them. So what does he do? Staying true to his apathy, he does nothing. He's afraid to rock the boat, because he's still not completely over the destructive nature that he put himself through. But he knows, whatever he decides, Misao will be there for him. She's probably the only thing that he knows will be constant in his world. That's why, if Misao ever decided to seek out a different man, Aoshi would probably be devastated. Not in the sense that most guys would in the "oh god, she left me", but more of a "oh god, now what's left in my life?" and I would completely understand if he either a) committed suicide or b) because a monk where he could meditate and brood all day.
The dedication between the two of them, along with the hurtles they have to over come, is the reason I ship this pairing. Both Aoshi and Misao rely on one another for support. Misao always has, because the thought of finding Aoshi one day got her through the rough periods in the developing Meiji era. Aoshi, looks to Misao now for constant support in what he is doing is what's right. But Aoshi is afraid to move forward, because he's afraid to hurt Misao. The underlying promise to her grandfather is still there and will remain in the back of his mind if he ever takes the aggressive step forward in developing a real romantic relationship with Misao.
瞳の住人 (trans. In your eyes...)
Here are a few fic recs that will get the ball rolling. If you aren’t a fan of this pairing after reading these, well then, I don’t know what to say.
Drama/Angst
- Of Love and Honor by Tin
- The Sound of Snow Falling by Sigel Phoenix
- Wake by Sigel Phoenix**
- The Little Act of Giving by Western Ink
** extends the scene in the Enishi arc where Misao is crying over Kaoru's death.
Humor (because there isn’t enough humor for this pairing, really.)
- Pardon Me by Tin
- Unforgettable by Kettering
- Snow Wand Wishes by Western Ink
And because I know certain people will scream at me if I don’t include these...
Stuff by me
- Sex and Sashimi
- Decay
- Rois et Gages
- The Other Side of Night
If you find yourself interested in this ship, your best move would be to join the Shinobi Love ML on yahoogroups. It’s been around for a long time, and is a good place to find fics. Another fan fiction archive, which is general, is the The KFFDisc Fanfiction Archive. It hasn’t been updated for quite some time, but for some of the older Aoshi/Misao stories (like Tin’s), this is the only place they can be found.
Author: Hikaru (
sake_butterfly)Fandom: Rurouni Kenshin
Pairing: Shinomori Aoshi & Makimachi Misao
Spoilers: All of the manga, all of the anime.
E-mail: catadamon at gmail
Forward: I tried to approach this from a perspective of never having seen Rurouni Kenshin before, or having seen very little. However, because the story of Rurouni Kenshin is too massive to explain here, it would help to have at least a little knowledge of the series and its characters.
The Oniwabanshuu
It’s only logical to first approach what the Oniwabanshuu is, so it will give people who are unfamiliar with this part of the story, a better understanding of Aoshi and Misao’s environment before actually getting to their studies. The Oniwabanshuu are the original protectors of Edo Castle. However, during the Bakumatsu no Douran, the Oniwabanshuu never had their chance to help the government as the battles took place in Kyoto, not Tokyo (Edo). The Imperialist army won, the Tokugawa Era ended, and the Oniwabanshuu were forced to go into secrecy—as the new Imperialist regime had no place for warriors. Most of the Oniwabanshuu left the group to take jobs in the new era, however there were four who could not—Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya. These four men were so dedicated to their art, they had become literal freaks of nature, and could therefore not take their place in society. Because of this, their Okashira (or leader), Shinomori Aoshi decided to also not move on with his life, but instead stay with his fellow warriors and friends, and live in the shadows.
Shinomori Aoshi
A prodigy of the Oniwabanshuu, Shinomori Aoshi was named Okashira at the young age of fifteen. He always has a solemn face and never lets his true feelings show—making him the perfect warrior. At first, he practices kempo, using a kodachi (a sword between the lengths of a katana and a dagger) as defense. He and his four companions have set off to Tokyo to find work for warriors. Aoshi appears in the series fairly quickly (volume 3 of the manga, episode 8 in the anime) presenting a formidable enemy for Kenshin.
Makimachi Misao
Makimachi Misao has loved Aoshi all of her life. As the leader of their ninja group, the Oniwabannshu, she's respected him, admired him, and adored him. Her parents and grandfather (the former Okashira) died when she was very young, leaving Aoshi and Okina (who Misao refers to as Jiya) to take care of her. When she was eight years old, he left with Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya, without even saying goodbye. However, she holds on to the faded memories of "Aoshi-sama" from her childhood. When she was old enough, she ventured out to chance whispers of her dear Aoshi-sama's whereabouts, only to return home empty handed. She lives at the Aoi-ya with Okina, and four other remaining members of the Oniwabanshuu (Okon, Omasu, Shiro and Kuro).
Meet the Oniwabanshuu Okashira...
Aoshi and the other [known] members of the Oniwabanshuu are introduced as employees for an opium dealer, named Takeda Kanryuu. It is never explained in great detail why Aoshi has agreed to act as bodyguard to Kanryuu. It is hinted that he is doing it as a favor—maybe even blackmailed into it—but Aoshi takes no pleasure in the job. Only the thought of being able to fight the Hikitori Battousai inspires Aoshi to "protect" Kanryuu—as to relive the days when the Oniwabanshuu fought to defend Edo Castle. If Aoshi wins the fight, that means he can adorn the Oniwabanshuu with the title of the "strongest." After a long fight, Kenshin wins against Aoshi, but Kanryuu and a gatling gun interrupt them. Kanryuu decides to kill both Aoshi and Kenshin, therefore making him the strongest. Beshimi, Hyotoko, Shikijou and Hannya, doing their duty, protect their Okashira from the gatling gun and all four die in the process. Aoshi himself gets shot four times in the leg. Kenshin puts Kanryuu out of commission, but it’s too late. When the police arrive, in the manga, the four fallen Oniwabanshuu are missing their heads. Aoshi, who is carrying the heads, finds Kenshin, and says that they will fight again in the future. In the anime, the bodies are missing entirely, and we see that Aoshi has buried them on the mountains. He swears that he will adorn their graves with the title of the "strongest."
A thief in the night...
Misao is first introduced as a theif who encounters Kenshin on his way to Kyoto. She relates her story to Kenshin, leaving out names—saying she is just looking for "someone." But in her theiving, Misao gets herself in trouble with the yakuza, which Kenshin helps her out of by showing off some of his swordsmanship. Misao is impressed, but tells Kenshin that her "Aoshi-sama" is much more powerful. Himura is shocked to even hear that name again, much less find out that Aoshi is the man that Misao is trying to find. He knows the tragedy that befell Aoshi and his companions, and does not have the heart to tell Misao what happened. He does, however, accidently let "Shinomori Aoshi?" slip out of his mouth in his shock. So Misao knows that Kenshin knows who Aoshi is. She decides to follow Kenshin anywhere, because he is the only piece of solid informtaion to the whereabouts of Aoshi and the others she has encountered. In her adventures with Kenshin, Misao comes to realize that Aoshi and he must have fought at some point... and since Kenshin is still living, that means Aoshi must have lost...
For revenge, for love
Since the Oniwabanshuu storyline is B plot, Aoshi is not mentioned again until the next arc, the Kyoto arc, where his true role comes to pass. During the several months after the fight, Aoshi has been training in the mountains, improving his kempo and kodachi techniques. He even perfects the technique of Kodachi Nitouryuu, a move that could only be used by his predecessor, by himself. However, his strength comes at a great cost. Due to his obsession with killing the Battousai, Aoshi gives himself into chaos and in doing so he loses all remains of the man that he once was. He swears he will fight Kenshin again, win, and then kill himself. On a tip from Saitoh Hajime, Aoshi heads to Kyoto to find Kenshin. On his way Shishio Makoto’s group attempts to bring Aoshi into their fold—but fails (an important event for later). Because of his connections in Kyoto, Aoshi first contacts Okina to ask him to find the Battousai. Okina has already been introduced to Kenshin (via Misao) and has been told of the events that happened in Kanryuu’s mansion (Note: Kenshin told him this—Misao still has not been told). Upon seeing Aoshi, Okina tells him how happy Misao would be to see him. The Okashira brushes it off, saying he has no intention of seeing Misao. Why? Because he knows his soul is already tainted and he wants her to have nothing to do with it. Even in this state of mind, Aoshi is still looking out for Misao’s welfare. Okina refuses to tell Aoshi where Kenshin is because he too realizes Aoshi has changed for the worse. Angry, Aoshi threatens to go to the Aoi-ya and "ask" the four remaining Oniwabanshuu members where the Battousai is. Again, Aoshi discounts Misao, because it is still his desire to not involve her in anyway. Okina still refuses, warning Aoshi that if he intends to join Shishio Makoto’s group, he will become an enemy. If that happens, then Okina will be forced to kill him. In the end, Aoshi joins Shishio’s group, because they volunteer to give him information on the Battousai’s whereabouts. They tell him that the Battousai has been seen at the Aoi-ya—and that they have sent spies to force the information out of the Oniwabanshuu members. As Shishio’s group discusses their plans, all Aoshi can think of was the little girl he left sleeping in the Aoi-ya eight years ago...
Shishio’s men are not up to the task of taking the Aoi-ya by force, and are sent back with a message: A challenge to Aoshi from Okina.
Meanwhile, in the mountains of Kyoto, Misao is with Kenshin and co., where the truth about Kanryuu’s mansion is finally revealed to her. Misao is devastated to hear that her friends are dead. But even more damaging is the description of Aoshi she is given. When Yahiko tells her Aoshi is in Kyoto, she races back home only to find Okina (and all of his battle gear) missing. The other Oniwabanshuu members at the Aoi-ya hesitantly tell her about the duel, and where it is.
Racing as fast as she can, Misao finally arrives at the location of the duel. But she is too late. Okina falls and she watches, wide-eyed, as his bloody body falls limply to the floor. Her beloved Aoshi stands over the old man, brandishing two bloody kodachi. He leaves in silence. But just as he is about to disappear, Misao calls to him "Why?!" Aoshi doesn’t give her an answer. Instead, he tells her to give a message to the Battousai—he will be waiting in Shishio’s fortress. He also tells Misao to "Get out of his sight," and that "he never wants to see her again."
At this point, it is probably a mystery why anyone would want to ship this couple, because it is obvious that Aoshi is pushing Misao away—- which he is. But it is not for lack of interest in her. No, it is because he is trying to protect her from the monster that he has become. He could have killed Misao that day, but he did not. Some fan interpretations have him raping Misao after the duel, but there is nothing in cannon to support that. If anything, that would put the nail in the coffin of Misao’s affections. What Aoshi does is convince himself that he is pure evil, and needs love from no one, not even his "family." And killing Okina would be the final step in becoming the man who would kill the Battousai. But his subconcious will not let him cross that bridge. In the end, Aoshi does not even kill Okina. He survives—so there is a chance for hope for Aoshi’s soul...
After the duel, Misao absolves to make Aoshi an enemy. To protect her way of life, she proclaims herself the new Okashira. This is where her adolescent crush for Aoshi ends. Secretly, it is becoming something much stronger. Okina recovers and makes a request to Kenshin to kill Aoshi, because he is the only one who can. While Misao swore to forget all about Aoshi, hearing Okina's request breaks her heart. However, Kenshin declines, and explains to everyone that Aoshi still has good in him (for the reasons discussed in the previous paragraph). Instead, Kenshin promises to bring Aoshi back to Misao. As he says these words, tears come forth for Misao—she is so relieved and happy from just hearing Kenshin’s promise. As much as she tries to convince herself that she hates Aoshi, she still cannot help but love him.
But as Kenshin finds out in Shishio’s mansion, keeping his promise will not be that easy. Aoshi is changed, and grown in strength. However, Kenshin talks some sense into the (now former) Okashira—telling him that using an excuse of his four dead friends to become such a monster was shaming their spirits, and making them into demons. He also tells Aoshi about Misao claiming the mantle of Okashira. Aoshi replies, although he’s not happy that she has taken up the life of a warrior, she is a "strong girl." Kenshin then tells him of Misao crying while he made the promise to bring Aoshi back to her. Aoshi is taken aback. Why does she still care about him so? Aoshi is defeated once more, but by a "paper-thin" margin. He says he will keep help Kenshin keep his promise to Misao and return to the Aoi-ya... accepting the consequences of his actions. It is his belief that everyone at the Aoi-ya must hate him after what he did to Okina.
After the defeat of Shishio Makoto, Kenshin and co. return to the Aoi-ya, with Aoshi. When Misao sees Aoshi, she bursts into tears, and runs towards him. Despite everything that he has done, all the pain she has been through, Misao can still accept him with open arms.
From here the manga and anime go in two different directions, neither really giving Aoshi/Misao as much attention as the Kyoto Arc does. But here are a few choice clips of evidence...
The umbrella incident and the Son of God Arc (anime only)
In the episode directly after the Kyoto Arc explores what happens to the characters after Shishio. One of the small segments is dedicated to Misao and Aoshi. Misao, looking everywhere for Aoshi, is told that Aoshi is at the shrine meditating (something he does all the time now—to repent). Later on in the episode, Misao notices that storm clouds are moving in. She runs to the shrine with two umbrellas, and waits outside the shrine for him. The rain stops, and Aoshi still is meditating. Misao then leaves the shrine. But then the screen pans back to Aoshi, and he is watching Misao with a funny look on his face.
The beginning of the Son of God Arc starts from Misao’s POV. An aristocrat is begging for Aoshi’s protection, but he refuses to give it. Misao goes in his stead. However, she gets in way over her head. Aoshi senses that Misao is in danger and runs (barefooted XD) to the aristocrat’s house, only to catch Misao after the "Son of God" attacks her. Aoshi glares at the man, and cradles Misao’s body close to his. From there, the arc loses it's focus on the pairing.
To My Angel Misao - Episode 89 (anime only)
After the Son of God Arc, Misao comes to live with Kenshin and co. in Tokyo. But not for long. Okina sends Aoshi, Omasu and Okon (or in the anime, Ochika) to fetch Misao. But instead of being happy to see Aoshi, she is mad that he only came because Okina asked him. It is then brought to Misao’s attention that Aoshi never does what he is asked, unless he wants to. Misao assumes this means that Aoshi wants her to come home with him. The girls of the cast go out on the town, leaving Aoshi and Kenshin time alone to talk. During said talk the subject of Misao comes up. Aoshi still views her as a little girl, but Kenshin tells him "She’s not a child anymore..." Aoshi’s face falters as this realization dawns on him.
At the end of the episode, Misao gives Aoshi a kamifuusen (paper ball), because he bought her one when she was little. Aoshi replied. "You never change, do you?" Which aggravates Misao. She declares that she is not a little girl anymore. She then asks Aoshi to come with her shopping next time. He agrees—a big step for him!
Enishi Arc (manga only)
While the Aoshi/Misao from after the Kyoto Arc on are sparse in the manga, they are very choice, and some of the most heartwarming scenes I have ever read in a manga. WARNING: HUGE SPOILERS FOR THE ENISHI ARC FOLLOW!
Aoshi and Misao travel to Tokyo together, carrying Tomoe’s diary at the request of Kaoru. When they find out about her "death," Misao is devastated. Kaoru was a best friend and a big sister to her. Misao cries, alone, into the night. But, just outside, is Aoshi. Watsuki (in his never-ending brilliance) gives us a very touching scene showing just how deep their relationship is already. It cannot be described properly in words, so here’s a scan:
It’s from the Japanese manga, so read from right to left.
The first time I read that scene, I nearly cried. It’s so subtle, so touching—and nothing is ever shown. Did Aoshi then go comfort her? I would like to think so. It also shows how much Aoshi has changed since we last saw him. Before, he would just have ignored her cries. Now, at least, he is in sync with Misao’s emotions.
But the one moment in all of the manga that is the undeniable proof of the pairing, is when Aoshi fights Gein. After the fight, all that is left is fire and rubble. Saitoh, who is investigating the scene, finds Aoshi—and the Okashira is still alive. Saitoh makes a brash comment about being surprised that Aoshi survives the battle (given his incline to suicide during the Kyoto Arc). Aoshi replies that he had to survive, because "someone is waiting for me." Scene cut to Misao sleeping soundly at Kaoru’s house. She smiles and starts saying Aoshi’s name.
Kenshin Kaden (manga only)
Kenshin Kaden is an artbook/storyguide for the manga. At the end of the book there is a special color short story that takes place five years after the end of Rurouni Kenshin. Misao and Aoshi arrive together, and look very close. Misao’s braid is missing, and she is sporting a hairstyle that goes to her mid back. Aoshi is growing a ponytail (which was illegal for men in the Meiji era by this point). Why the hairstyle change is up for debate. Watsuki could have wanted to redesign every character for the oneshot. I, however, believe it is because of symbolic reasons. After everything that the two have been through, Misao realizes she still loves Aoshi, and comes to understand him as a person, not a figment of her memory. When this realization hits, she cut off her braid, signifying a new beginning in her life. Aoshi, on the other hand, is growing his hair to either a) piss of the new government, b) as a symbol of how long Misao and he have been together—or c) a combination of the both. Since Aoshi is not the type to do something just to vex someone (or something), I lean towards option b.
Reviving the ghost of a warrior
I fell into this pairing by pure accident. I do not even remember how exactly it happened, but I ended up reading Tin’s "Of Love and Honor" and was instantly fascinated by the characters. At the time, I was aware of the plotline to Kenshin (and had seen the OAVs), and some of the characters, but nowhere did the Aoshi/Misao pairing enter into the equation. Originally, I was all about Hiko and Kenshin (not as a pairing—just the characters). But after I finished OLH, I was hooked on the pairing and read everything that I could find on them. I then ventured into the fandom, with very little knowledge, save for what I knew from fan fiction that I had read, and wrote my own fan fiction. It was terrible, of course. Over the next year or so, I started collecting all of the Rurouni Kenshin manga, as well as the anime, because I wanted to know all I could about this coupling. So, in essence, this pairing is what brought me into the Rurouni Kenshin fandom. Since then, I’ve written over twenty stories for the pairing, and am still going six years later.
I am of the mindset that Aoshi's love for Misao stems from his original intentions of protecting her to uphold his promise with her grandfather. Misao regards Aoshi in the highest mind-- much to his annoyance. Misao doesn't realize that Aoshi can make mistakes, and can become the monster he eventually does become, because she has this idolized vision of "Aoshi-sama" in her mind that she holds fast to.
Until Aoshi returns to the Aoi-ya after the fight with Shishio. All her illusions are destroyed after that, because she realizes how false they were to begin with. The invincible Aoshi-sama is defeated. Badly. And all that is left is a shadow of the man he once was.
I am sure the next few weeks of Aoshi being around Misao again, she would come to realize that the picture she had of Aoshi in her mind is completely different than the true man. After all, she was eight when he left, so the only memories she had of Aoshi were of a small child. As we grow, things that we thought were unflawed begin to have a harsh light shone on them that reveals bumps and cracks. Despite that, she sticks with him through the Son of God arc (in the anime) and travels alongside of him back to Tokyo to deliver Tomoe's diary (in the manga). If she were so completely disgusted by the harsh reality of Aoshi's true ethos, then she would hardly stick by him. She holds onto the hope that she can help him one day recover what he lost, or at least retrieve a fraction of it, since the both of them have become very different people than when they were last together.
Aoshi, obviously, is not completely oblivious to Misao's feelings, but he is uncertain on how to return them. So what does he do? Staying true to his apathy, he does nothing. He's afraid to rock the boat, because he's still not completely over the destructive nature that he put himself through. But he knows, whatever he decides, Misao will be there for him. She's probably the only thing that he knows will be constant in his world. That's why, if Misao ever decided to seek out a different man, Aoshi would probably be devastated. Not in the sense that most guys would in the "oh god, she left me", but more of a "oh god, now what's left in my life?" and I would completely understand if he either a) committed suicide or b) because a monk where he could meditate and brood all day.
The dedication between the two of them, along with the hurtles they have to over come, is the reason I ship this pairing. Both Aoshi and Misao rely on one another for support. Misao always has, because the thought of finding Aoshi one day got her through the rough periods in the developing Meiji era. Aoshi, looks to Misao now for constant support in what he is doing is what's right. But Aoshi is afraid to move forward, because he's afraid to hurt Misao. The underlying promise to her grandfather is still there and will remain in the back of his mind if he ever takes the aggressive step forward in developing a real romantic relationship with Misao.
瞳の住人 (trans. In your eyes...)
Here are a few fic recs that will get the ball rolling. If you aren’t a fan of this pairing after reading these, well then, I don’t know what to say.
Drama/Angst
- Of Love and Honor by Tin
- The Sound of Snow Falling by Sigel Phoenix
- Wake by Sigel Phoenix**
- The Little Act of Giving by Western Ink
** extends the scene in the Enishi arc where Misao is crying over Kaoru's death.
Humor (because there isn’t enough humor for this pairing, really.)
- Pardon Me by Tin
- Unforgettable by Kettering
- Snow Wand Wishes by Western Ink
And because I know certain people will scream at me if I don’t include these...
Stuff by me
- Sex and Sashimi
- Decay
- Rois et Gages
- The Other Side of Night
If you find yourself interested in this ship, your best move would be to join the Shinobi Love ML on yahoogroups. It’s been around for a long time, and is a good place to find fics. Another fan fiction archive, which is general, is the The KFFDisc Fanfiction Archive. It hasn’t been updated for quite some time, but for some of the older Aoshi/Misao stories (like Tin’s), this is the only place they can be found.
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