Kashiwazaki Nenji, known as Okina, is a formidable fighter and strategist—widely considered the only person capable of matching the former Oniwabanshū leader in combat. He's best known for wielding steel tonfa with enough precision to block sword strikes, a rare skill that earned him serious respect.
When the time came for leadership succession, Okina turned down the position outright, believing it was time for younger blood to take over. He backed Aoshi for the role instead and then transitioned into intelligence work, operating as an agent in Kyoto for the Oniwabanshū's spy network.
These days he's largely retired from active fighting—though he's made exceptions when circumstances demanded it—and lives peacefully at the Aoiya, the old Oniwabanshū headquarters that now functions as a hotel in Kyoto. He raised Misao there and continues to serve as a mentor figure. Despite his age, Okina's mind remains sharp, and he still maintains connections to the intelligence network he once oversaw. This has proven useful when helping Kenshin track down people like Arai Seikū and Hiko Seijūrō.
When he's not providing crucial information or reliving his glory days, Okina enjoys drinking games and the company of attractive women—vices he makes no real effort to hide.
Content compiled by AnimeList.moe from publicly available sources.
