Two weeks ago I shared a little about my antagonist and his two accomplices, asking if you guys had questions for them. And my baddies have your answers! I’ll pass it off to them now.

I’ll also break up their answers with snippets from my WIP novel Warfare Book I! I hope you enjoy them. (Or, if you hated them, help me out and critique ’em! ?)

(I suggest you buckle up if you wanna come on this ride.)

---

---

DAKU MARUKO

AAG‘s Question:

Why do you want to be a political leader?

Why wouldn’t anyone want to be a political leader? All the power, money, fame and glory—at your feet and in your hands.

I pull my neck down and roll backward out of his reach, reaching a hand out to the chirping wood to stop my momentum, still crouched. Did Maruko send him?

Amie‘s Questions:

What is your best childhood memory?

Probably being mentored by very wise masters. Gave me a sense of security and confidence.

Most embarrassing?

Seriously? When I was a kid, I was trained as a bounty hunter. A girl walked in on me using the bathroom when I was eleven by accident. We laughed hard about it afterward, though.

What was the best month of your life?

I have not lived it yet. But it’s about to be soon, very soon. *smiles* In a few weeks.

If you were to go anywhere, where would that be?

Right into the palace of Nijo Castle to rip Hotta Masatoshi off my seat by his hair.

What is your favorite animal?

Favorite animal? I eat animals. But I would say horses. They are fast and reliable, something I cannot say for humans.

Mya‘s Questions:

If you had to look UP to one person on the earth, and acknowledge that they’re better than you, who would it be?

*frowns* What if I’m already the supreme superior on earth? If—and this is not true—my old masters were considered greater than I am, I would agree. But since it is not true, I don’t agree.

If you had to surrender to one of your enemies, who would it be?

I can’t think of anyone I can stand the humiliation of surrendering to. Maybe I’d surrender to Ari Kireina in private, then kill her later so no one would know I surrendered. Not that she could ever threaten me enough that I would  surrender to her in the first place.

I let out a shaky breath, following her closely. “Why do you want me to kill Hotta Masatoshi, again? He’s the most brilliant advisor. And completely innocent.”

Sensei Kira stops outside a screen door I’ve only been past a few times. Sensei usually never lets anyone walk down this hallway.

Kira puts her hands on her hips and turns to me. “I have nothing against Masatoshi, Ari. It’s Daku Maruko, an usurper out for the throne who wants him out of the way. So he can more easily claim the shogunate before the advisors choose one, I believe.”

Right. A power struggle is ensuing. Maruko hired one of the shinobi men from Satsujin-sha Academy, our rival, to kill Tokugawa Ietsuna—the late shogun of Japan. The death was framed so that the entire country is under the belief he died prematurely—yesterday on June fourth, 1680—but the two shinobi academies know it was no natural death. And now the advisors are ruling in place of a shogun, struggling to choose the next military leader.

I inhale and let my breath out slowly, trying not to make a passionate fool of myself. “So Masatoshi is the next man Maruko is targeting. Why do you want me to kill him?”

CutePolarBear’s Questions:

Would you like to time-travel in the future?

Very much so. I’d time-travel just a few weeks. The impatience about my strategies are nearly eating me from within.

Would you like to travel to different countries?

On business matters? Yes. For personal enjoyment? *thinks* No.

When was the last time you said something nice, and to whom was this nice thing said?

Nice being defined as non-gruesome threats? I think it was to myself, in my mirror. I stroked my reflection, and told myself I was a happy, healthy, successful, and extremely handsome man.

Do you believe in a god?

I’ll be counted as a god in a few weeks. I believe in myself. But otherwise? … I don’t think so. The Japanese here worship Buddha and other gods in their shinto shrines, but I have no time for that. Results in life are determined by humans alone.

Are you afraid to die?

Me? Hah, no. I’ll be buried with honor.

Do you feel superior to those who have a different skin color?

I myself am half-western, so I am a minority. I do not feel superior to those who are skin-toned differently. I feel superior to everyone.

What are your thoughts on marriage?

An interesting subject. I myself am married. I believe a man should have a wife but should be entitled to a night out when he feels so inclined. You can’t tell my wife that, though.

What’s your favorite weather?

Autumn. The weather is mild but not so bright.

What’s your love language?

Physical touch. But I appreciate words of affirmation.

Do you ever feel if you’ve made horrible decisions in your life?

Not one.

Though I don’t believe the guards like it, Masatoshi crouches in front of me until he is on one knee. For a while, he says nothing, but then he pulls in a struggled breath. “Who is it you work for?”

Guilt writhes in my stomach—he’s asking me to betray Sensei Kira and her trust in me. But the fear of the swords crossed over my throat leads me to answer him regardless. “Daku Maruko.”

Masatoshi studies my face. “And who is Maruko?”

“A man who wishes to take the shogunate, sir.”

“And how does he plan to do this?”

“He plans to kill all those in power who currently stand in his way. He hired the assassin who killed Tokugawa Ietsuna.”

Abby‘s Question:

Do you consider yourself to be evil? Or are you doing the world a service by trying to take over Japan?

*laughs* Evil? What am I, a fictional character? I’m not evil. Just a very smart man leading his dreams.

The AG Homeschooler‘s Questions:

Would you rather be the most common person alive or be in agonizing pain?

*What*? Are you *kidding* me? Why are you asking me that?!

I would rather be in agonizing pain.

Would you be interested in dating?

If the woman had resources that could benefit me? Absolutely. I do it quite often. But you can’t tell my wife.

Hope‘s Questions:

Why did you choose this “career”?

Because it is my dream to lead my country.

Is there anything you regret about your life?

Not a thing. I live life with no regrets.

Josie‘s Questions:

Do you consider yourself evil?

… No. I mean, others might. But I do not.

What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done?

Married the most capricious woman ever. Agh.

On a scale from one to ten, how good do you think you look?

1,000.

Do you love anyone?

How about myself?

Can I join your evil team? *crosses fingers* I promise I won’t start a mutiny and take over.

You are a fourteen-year-old child. A fourteen-year-old female child. Kiss that dream goodbye.

Do you know you’re a fictional character?

I feel like I’m being treated like one, with all of these absurd questions.

Say something funny. Right now.

Make me.

Haduson pushes me back with another surge of strength, and I stumble into his cell. I throw myself at the barred door just as he slams it shut. “No. You’re a hindrance to me.” This was my only chance. Tears spring to my eyes as he jabs the keys into the lock. “I’m doing you a favor. They treat you better here than Maruko will if you ever make it out.”

So these are the kind of people Maruko’s employees are. My eyes burn with the sting of unshed tears. “I can’t believe you.”

Carlye‘s Questions:

What are your thoughts on female ninjas?

I’m married to one. They are the worst.

Who are you worst/mortal enemies?

Any, every, and all human beings who stand in my way.

What is your favorite color? (NOT black)

Rusty brown.

Would you ever consider giving up being evil for a million dollars?

*curls hand into fist* WHY DO YOU CHILDREN KEEP CALLING ME EVIL?

What would you do with a million dollars?

Use it to launch my next set of plans.

agdolladventureblog‘s Question:

Will you ever become good?

*curses* -_-

I am not evil. But I’m not good. And probably never will be.

The hunter slowly inches his steed forward while shouting for the others ahead. “Kazanawi! Rasako! I found the woman Maruko wanted!”

Panic floods my veins. Maruko is after me now?

Kirstyn‘s Questions:

Daku, where did the inspiration for your evil plan come from?

The evil again? It’s not evil. It is a very smart and strategic plan of action. It came from the depths of my own brilliant soul. I am a prideful man. My country shall know it.

Is there backstory to your ABSOLUTE CRUELTY?!

You think this is absolutely cruelty? Hah.

I was raised as a bounty hunter by a very harsh man. I suppose I am accustomed to bloodshed and massacre. It does not bother me.

JOSEFU KAZANAWI

Kazanawi’s fist socks my face out of nowhere. The hunter drops me, and my knees hit the ground, unbalance.

Crouching in front of me, Kazanawi tips my face up to look at him with a finger under my chin. When I turn my face away, he socks it again. “What were you thinking, choosing to fail Maruko like that? He is going to make an example out of you to the rest of us that failure is not an option.”

He is? What does that look like? Dread settles in the pit of my stomach as I turn my throbbing face back to Kazanawi, who grabs my arm and pulls me to my feet. He reaches for his steed’s reins and mounts, then pulls me up behind him.

Amie‘s Questions:

What is your best childhood memory?

My father told me I’d make a good man.

He was wrong.

Most embarrassing?

I don’t wish to disclose this.

What was the best month of your life?

The first month of being married to my wife.

If you were to go anywhere, where would that be?

Hell. Can someone kill me now?

What is your favorite animal?

I’d have to say a horse. They’re what we use for transportation.

Kazanawi grunts, not taking his eyes off me. “So you’re Kireina.”

Mya‘s Questions:

If you had to look UP to one person on the earth, and acknowledge that they’re better than you, who would it be?

A lot of people. Maybe my best friend, Maruko.

If you had to surrender to one of your enemies, who would it be?

I have quite a few of them. But I couldn’t stand surrendering to Rasako… or a woman; Ari Kireina. Can I skip this one?

CutePolarBear’s Questions:

Would you like to time-travel in the future?

Yes. I’d travel to the day I die.

Would you like to travel to different countries?

Why not? It would be nice to get away from memories.

When was the last time you said something nice, and to whom was this nice thing said?

I believe it was to my best friend, Maruko. I told him he was “rash”. Which is nice, compared to what I wanted to say.

Do you believe in a god?

Yes. The God of the Christians. I don’t doubt His existence… just that He has anything to do with me.

Are you afraid to die?

Not really. I deserve to die.

Do you feel superior to those who have a different skin color?

I haven’t given much thought to it. No, not at all. I don’t have time for petty things like that.

What are your thoughts on marriage?

Don’t keep any secrets from your spouse. Listen to them. Always. ?

What’s your favorite weather?

I like the springtime. Things feel fresh and new.

What’s your love language?

I don’t love. But I suppose it would be quality time.

Do you ever feel if you’ve made horrible decisions in your life?

Yes. The most horrible decisions.

“Well?” The burly man folds his arms. “Give us Kireina. She must die.”

Abby‘s Question:

What’s your most and least favorite thing about Daku?

He’s a great leader. Is he a humble leader, kind to everyone who works for him? Nope.

The AG Homeschooler‘s Questions:

How does it feel that you’re more muscular than Daku?

*grins* Pretty great.

Would you be interested in dating? (Josefu, please don’t have a breakdown from this question.)

No!

Hope‘s Questions:

Why did you choose this “career”?

After—certain events in my life, I was drifting. My buddy Maruko decided to give me a shot at something that would benefit both of us. *shrugs* It’s a nice release of… things.

Is there anything you regret about your life?

So much. So much. You have no idea.

Kazanawi throws me against the nearest tree, drawing his own pistol. “I told you not to run, Kireina.”

My head collides with the bark, but I push myself away. I can’t die now. Not as a failure.

Kazanawi holds his arm out in front of my chest and thrusts me back, pressing me into the bark and digging the end of the pistol into the side of my head. My entire body freezes, but two others don’t. One of the women of the horsemen guards on our side sprints toward me along with Kaden, one of the bodyguards.

But it’s not their job to save me. They should be protecting the advisors. I’m not worth this. I don’t deserve it.

Josie‘s Questions:

Do you consider yourself evil?

Yes. I’m a wicked man. I know it. I can’t control it, though.

What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done?

I don’t think I’ve ever been nice.

On a scale from one to ten, how good do you think you look?

A 6? Perhaps even a 7? Above average, I’d say. Due to these guns. *flexes biceps*

Do you love anyone?

I loved my wife and child.

Can I join your evil team? *crosses fingers* I promise I won’t start a mutiny and take over.

You’d have to ask Maruko about that. Though considering your age and that fact you are a little girl, he’ll say no.

Do you know you’re a fictional character?

I am? Who the heck writes my book, then? I’ll crush them.

Say something funny. Right now.

Why?

“I knew I was going to get to get to kill two birds with one stone,” a voice hisses in my ear, trembling with laughter. A large, scarred hand clamps my mouth shut, and the coach gets farther away.

Panic racks my insides as I claw at the hand. Kazanawi.

Carlye‘s Questions:

What are your thoughts on female ninjas?

I’m trying to hunt one down for Maruko. They’re not as sassy as I thought. But they are annoyingly clever.

Who are you worst/mortal enemies?

The authorities. I’ve had to duck from a few of them over the years.

What is your favorite color? (NOT black)

Hm. Brown.

Would you ever consider giving up being evil for a million dollars?

How can a guy rewind the past? And what would a million dollars do for me?

What would you do with a million dollars?

I’d buy my way out of trouble, actually. That way I wouldn’t have to keep hiding from authorities.

RASAKO DEYUAN

Rasako doesn’t discover that Ari is his younger sister until Book II, so I’m going to merge the timelines just a little bit. We’ll pretend that he does know in this current timeframe.

AAG‘s Question:

Does Ari get on your nerves?

Does she ever! She’s all “mercy” this and “let go of him” that. I mean, she’s not a pipsqueak, but she’ll hardly let me slap someone upside the head even if they need it.

“Get off your horse.” I run my hand along the reins of my animal and pull them to a nearby tree.

Rasako dismounts, his tied hands grasping the saddle as he swings his legs over and off his horse. “Why are we stopping? The moment you told me you weren’t going to kill me, I believed you. This river isn’t going to be my grave, is it?”

Amie‘s Questions:

What is your best childhood memory?

Getting adopted by my new dad, Norin. I can’t remember how old I was, but man, was it the ever the best day of my life.

Most embarrassing?

*groans and runs hand through hair* I’d skip this.

What was the best month of your life?

Man, I’ve had a lot of really, really bad months. But you know what? I’d have to say this one is the best. I’m closer than ever to being Maruko’s right-hand man. Hah.

If you were to go anywhere, where would that be?

To Ukraine, the country where I was born. I’ve always wondered why my parents left it.

Okay, I know why, but it was a stupid reason.

What is your favorite animal?

Dogs. They’re everywhere. The other guy in line for the throne that Maruko’s trying to beat just loves them, but most of the rest of the country doesn’t..

Rasako lets out his breath with a little laugh. “What are you distracted by?”

Chloe‘s Questions:

What are your thoughts on flowers?

I think they’re pretty cool. Here in Japan, cherry blossoms are a favorite during the spring. All the girls go crazy with aesthetic surroundings, but I just like watching them float off in the sky.

Why are you an antagonist?

I’m a what now?

Do you have a sibling?

Yeah, Ari is my little sis. A really annoying little sis. But I love her.

Mya‘s Questions:

If you had to look UP to one person on the earth, and acknowledge that they’re better than you, who would it be?

Kazanawi, my rival. But don’t tell him that.

If you had to surrender to one of your enemies, who would it be?

What?! Why are you asking me that? Come on! Arg… maybe Ari. At least she’d never kill me.

The man’s young comrade dismounts and flips western brown hair out of his face. He looks like my male twin or doppelganger. He adjusts his leather jacket and walks up beside the man standing in front of my face. “Should’ve listened to my advice a lot sooner, Kazanawi. Rasako Deyuan has been at this thing for a long time.”

The man, Kazanawi, rolls his dark brown eyes. “If you’re not careful, I’ll send your tail right back to the samurai academy, boy.”

“I would’ve escaped without your help.” Rasako flips his hair out of his eyes again and catches the eyes of one of the female bounty hunters. He flashes her a flirtatious smile. “You just happened to come at an opportune time when I was still planning.”

CutePolarBear’s Questions:

Would you like to time-travel in the future?

Dude, that’d be so fun! I’d love to do that! Then I’d come back and change it.

Would you like to travel to different countries?

Yeah, definitely. Ukraine, my birthplace.

When was the last time you said something nice, and to whom was this nice thing said?

To my sister, Ari. I kind of indirectly apologized for trying to assassinate her.

Twice.

Do you believe in a god?

I believe in the God my parents gave everything to serve. Well, in His existence, anyway. I don’t serve Him. ‘Cause He doesn’t like me very much.

Are you afraid to die?

I’m scared to death of death. I’m going to hell.

Do you feel superior to those who have a different skin color?

Why would I be angry about the amount of melanin in a person’s skin? I’ve got my own great amount, thanks. It’s a nice shade, too. Plus, my Portuguese dudes are my great buddies.

Rasako curls his fist around his dagger’s hilt and holds it out to his side, standing with legs wide apart. “You act surprised to see me.”

My chest swells up and down with desperate breathing. “I wasn’t expecting to get attacked on my way to sleep.”

“You can’t hide. Do you know that? It takes shinobi to spot shinobi and I—“ he begins shortening the distance between him and I with slow steps. “—have used your own tactics and skills to hunt you down.” As I pull myself to my feet, he takes a moment to flip the hair layering across his forehead out of his eyes. “There are more that are with us than are with you.”

I retreat until my back hits the wall. With a few quick strides, Rasako reaches his hands out to dig his fingers into the sides of my throat. “This isn’t personal, Kireina. But it should give me a flaming shot at becoming Maruko’s right-hand man.” I reach my hands up to claw at his wrist, and he gives his shoulders a shrug. “I don’t enjoy killing people. Especially those as helpless as yourself. Gives me many nightmares. So I’ll knock you out before I finish the job, yeah?”

What are your thoughts on marriage?

Ewww. Who wants to get married? Falling in love, raising a family… that’s meh. Not that I speak for personal experience because I’m clueless. But it doesn’t sound like it’ll make for spontaneity and doing what you want.

I flirt quite often, though.

What’s your favorite weather?

Early summer. I like it when it’s hot. Like me, of course. But when it gets scorching and humid? Ugh, it’s the worst.

What’s your love language?

*arches eyebrow* Why do you ask?

Kidding, kidding. I’d have to say physical touch. Not that I plan to fall in love or anything. I like hugs, though. Not that people ever hug assassins.

Do you ever feel if you’ve made horrible decisions in your life?

Ah—yeah… A lot of them. Ari says there’s still hope for me, but… I’ve ended people’s innocent lives. What hope is there for a dude like that?

Abby‘s Question:

Are there any certain *EHEM EHEM* female assasins that bear resemblance to you in any way?

Why, yes, funny you should mention that. My little sis, Ari.

My head may be my weakness, but it is also the strongest. Racking pain makes my skull pound by the third time he has slammed it into the wall, and Rasako furrows his eyebrows as my skin busts. “Well, that’s not exactly normal. What does it take to knock you out?”

The AG Homeschooler‘s Questions:

DUDE, WHY ARE YOU WORKING FOR A VILLAIN?

I don’t know, okay?! He thought I was epically skilled and said he really needed me! Plus, my dad was getting really busy and I just needed someone else to be like a father to me. I get attached to people easily.

Would any of you be interested in dating?

No. I don’t see myself being serious with any girls. Teasing them is just way too fun!

Hope‘s Questions:

What is your ultimate goal in life?

Uh—people have ultimate goals?

What have I been doing with my life?

Oh, wait, no. I wanna beat Kazanawi and become Maruko’s #2. It’ll happen.

Are you like your sister in any way?

Not in most aspects. We’ve been separated all our lives. But we both get attached to people easily.

Josie‘s Questions:

Do you consider yourself evil?

Who, me? I mean, I guess. Why the word “evil”, though? That’s so… harsh. I haven’t killed that many people, okay?

Rasako swings a leg over my stomach and stabs his fingers into the sides of my neck. He’s not kidding about killing me. I struggle to pull air into my choking throat, and Rasako begins to crush it.

What’s the nicest thing you’ve ever done?

Oh, I’m super nice. Just… remembering something nice I’ve done is kind of hard right now.

On a scale from one to ten, how good do you think you look?

I blow ten out of the water. *runs hands through hair and smirks* Don’t you agree?

Do you love anyone?

My sister. But romantically? I can’t think of anyone.

Can I join your evil team? *crosses fingers* I promise I won’t start a mutiny and take over.

*grabs your fingers and holds them up* I smell smoke, liar.

Do you know you’re a fictional character?

I’m not a fictional character!

Wait… what if I was? That’d be so creepy!

Say something funny. Right now.

I don’t have to. People taking one look at your joke of a face will die laughing.

I dare another glance out the window and pull myself in with panic as another arrow is shot into the coach. Someone pries at the handle as I speak. “There’s about a hundred of them. Most of them are mounted on horseback, but they are each dismounting fast.” Then I swallow. “And—and Rasako’s with them.”

Carlye‘s Questions:

What are your thoughts on female ninjas?

My dad hates them. But Ari’s a female ninja, and she’s great. I guess there are some that are great and some that are not-so-great.

Who are you worst/mortal enemies?

Kazanawi. -_-

What is your favorite color? (NOT black)

Chestnut brown. Like my hair. Ish.

Would you ever consider giving up being evil for a million dollars?

I’m evil? A million bucks? Sure.

What would you do with a million dollars?

I’d buy a big mansion. And pay for schools for poor kids. ‘Cause, you know, I feel guilty about being “evil” and maybe I can redeem myself? Hopefully? Somehow?

Masatoshi begins to gallop off through the pressing crowd of warriors at the lead of Aron. Konran slowly begins to mount a steed, too. They might be safe.

But then I catch the eyes of both Kazanawi and Rasako slipping through the crowd with eyes bent on me.

Oh. So this is how it ends.

OTHER:

Questions for Ari:

From AAG:

How does it feel having a long-lost brother?

Really weird! I had no idea he existed. But I’m so glad he does! He’s so nice to me.

Questions for Madi:

From Julia:

Do any of these characters listed have a sweet cinnamon-roll side?

Hmm, I think all of them do:

For Maruko, the only thing that brings tears to his eyes is mercy. He’s had to earn things his entire life, so when given a free gift such as mercy from an enemy (cough cough spoiler alert Ari) or even God, it totally breaks him down.

For Kazanawi, hmm… yeah, he’s pretty hardened. I don’t think he has a sweet side. If you mention his wife and baby, he’ll either get depressed or crush you. XD

For Rasako, he’d die for the innocent (or his loved ones even if they’re not innocent). That’s actually a quality he got from my brother. He’ll fight to the death for the underdog, the neglected, the little child… and his family. Awwwe.

When you say that you had a ‘badly developed’ love relationship, how badly exactly?

It was obvious from the start Raskao and Anata would fall in love because I had done the hate-at-first thing with the original Hinari before. It was super cringey and unrealistic. Clichés everywhere, like Anata finally liking him after he saves her life. *facepalm*

---

---

 YAY, that was so fun! Thank you so much to everyone who asked questions—this was a blast and I hope you guys found my baddies interesting. I plan to redeem Rasako and give hope for Maruko and Kazanawi’s redemption, so don’t worry, they accept the love of God eventually. XD

What’s your favorite thing about your current antagonist(s)?