They've gotta be nuts if they think Maruo wouldn't try and sack every one of them for this. He's really gonna bust their balls for messing with his crew.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/lb_i.php?lb_id=13239183440B34964700 Alfric's Fire Emblem Liveblog Encyclopedia!A test run? Going into a fight with the copy Doppo, figuring out what he can do and how to fight back makes it less difficult when he faces the real thing, just have the shapeshifter change back once Maruo lands a successful punch. It's why they establish that the guy can't stay in a form for too long.
Chpater 24:
Ok, this chapter was pretty meta... It's basically Maruo being affected by Yobimizu from a Tamagawa getting too deep into Doppo's personality in the form of him in a writer's room where he's about to kill off his main character - himself. Thankfully, this does not end up happening thanks to, say it with me now, the power of friendship.

That’s some ballsy business choices the foxes and tanukis are making. This is gonna be a tough nut for Maruo to crack.