But his vision is unintentially changed. When the members of the Oniwabanshu that followed him were killed, Aoshi lost site of his goal. Instead of honoring them, he brought shame upon the ones that he most cared about, but he does not realize this until it was far to late.

Misao Makimachi never loses faith in her beloved Aoshi. But when she witnessed Aoshi beating up Okina, Misao forced herself to give-up hope of ever having the former Aoshi back. Yet Kenshin promises her that he will bring Aoshi back. Kenshin explains to Aoshi that he has lost site of his goal. After much fighting, Aoshi realizes that what Kenshin said was true. As Aoshi lies on the floor thinking about what he had done, he begs the Oniwabanshu for forgiveness. Kenshin tells him to return to Misao, and help them. But instead, Aoshi goes to fight Shishio. Kenshin was just defeated and needed time to get up. Aoshi provided him this time. Aoshi returns to Kyoto, extremely hurt but alive.