Chapter 4: A New Threat (Continued)

The tall soldier with the scar across his face sneered, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Goku and Riku. "Well, well, if it isn't Goku! We've been looking for you. You won't stop our plans this time!"

Riku felt a surge of adrenaline. He had watched countless battles in the series, but now he was about to face real danger. "Goku, what should we do?" he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Stay behind me for now," Goku replied, his tone serious. "I'll handle this."

The scarred soldier laughed, a cruel sound that echoed through the clearing. "You think you can take us on alone? You're just a kid!" He gestured to his comrades, who began to fan out, surrounding Goku and Riku.

Riku clenched his fists, feeling the energy of the Gene Steal System stirring within him. He wanted to fight, to prove himself, but he also knew he had to be careful. If he revealed his abilities too soon, it could raise questions he wasn't ready to answer.

"Let's see what you've got, Goku!" the soldier taunted, signaling his men to attack.

Without hesitation, Goku sprang into action, launching himself at the nearest soldier. Riku watched in awe as Goku moved with incredible speed, dodging punches and countering with powerful kicks. The energy radiating from Goku was palpable, and Riku felt inspired.

"Now's my chance!" Riku thought, feeling the urge to join the fight. He focused on the soldiers, trying to absorb their combat skills through the Gene Steal System. As he engaged in the fight, he felt a rush of energy, and suddenly, he was able to mimic their movements.

"Get him!" the scarred soldier shouted, rallying his comrades. They charged at Riku, but he was ready. He ducked and weaved, using the techniques he had absorbed to evade their attacks.

"Riku, watch out!" Goku yelled, noticing a soldier sneaking up behind him.

Riku turned just in time to see the soldier lunging at him. He instinctively raised his arm, and to his surprise, a burst of energy erupted from his hand, knocking the soldier back. "What was that?" he gasped, astonished by his own power.

"Nice move!" Goku cheered, taking down another soldier with a swift punch. "Keep it up!"

Riku felt a rush of exhilaration. "I can do this!" he thought, determination flooding his veins. He focused on the remaining soldiers, channeling the energy he had absorbed. With newfound confidence, he charged at the scarred soldier, who was now glaring at him with fury.

"You think you can take me on, kid?" the soldier sneered, preparing to attack.

"I'm not just a kid! I'm going to stop you!" Riku shouted, launching himself at the soldier. He threw a series of punches, each one landing with surprising accuracy. The soldier staggered back, clearly taken aback by Riku's sudden strength.

Goku joined the fight, taking down the last of the soldiers with a flurry of kicks. "Let's finish this!" he called out, and together, they cornered the scarred soldier.

"Wait! You don't have to do this!" the soldier pleaded, fear creeping into his voice. "We can work together!"

Riku shook his head, his resolve unwavering. "You're the ones causing trouble! We won't let you hurt anyone else!"

With a final surge of energy, Riku and Goku unleashed a combined attack. Riku focused all his power into a Kamehameha, while Goku charged up a powerful Kamehameha of his own. "Kamehameha!" they shouted in unison, the beams of energy colliding with the scarred soldier, sending him flying back and crashing into the ground.

As the dust settled, Riku and Goku stood victorious, breathing heavily but exhilarated. Riku couldn't believe what had just happened. "We did it!" he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Nice work, Riku!" Goku cheered, clapping him on the back. "You really held your own out there!"

Riku felt a rush of pride. "Thanks, Goku! I couldn't have done it without you!"

Just then, the ground shook again, and Riku looked up to see a massive figure emerging from the dust. It was a giant robot, towering over them, its eyes glowing ominously. "You think you can defeat the Red Ribbon Army so easily?" it boomed, its voice echoing through the clearing.

Riku's heart sank. "What is that thing?"

Goku's expression turned serious. "Looks like we have another challenge ahead. Stay focused, Riku