Chapter 6: The Commander’s Challenge

Commander Red's laughter echoed ominously through the clearing, sending a chill down Riku's spine. "You think you can stop the Red Ribbon Army? You've only faced a fraction of our power!" He gestured dramatically, and the ground trembled beneath them.

"What do you mean?" Riku asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fear creeping in.

Red smirked, his eyes glinting with malice. "You've defeated a mere robot. But I have much more in store for you. You'll soon learn that the true strength of the Red Ribbon Army lies not in machines, but in our elite warriors!"

Goku stepped forward, fists clenched. "We're ready for whatever you throw at us, Red. We won't back down!"

"Very well," Red replied, his grin widening. "Let's see how you fare against my best soldiers!" With a snap of his fingers, a group of heavily armed soldiers emerged from the shadows, their eyes filled with determination.

Riku felt a surge of anxiety. "Goku, there are too many of them!" he exclaimed, glancing at the approaching soldiers.

"Stay focused, Riku," Goku said, his voice calm. "We can take them on together. Just remember what we practiced."

As the soldiers charged, Riku took a deep breath, channeling the energy of the Gene Steal System. He focused on the soldiers' movements, absorbing their combat techniques as they closed in. Goku launched himself into the fray, dodging bullets and delivering powerful punches.

Riku followed Goku's lead, using the skills he had absorbed to evade attacks and counter with precision. He felt the energy flowing through him, and with each successful dodge and strike, his confidence grew.

"Nice moves, Riku!" Goku shouted, taking down another soldier with a swift kick. "Keep it up!"

Riku nodded, feeling the adrenaline surge. He spotted a soldier aiming a weapon at Goku from behind. "Goku, watch out!" he yelled, instinctively raising his arm. A burst of energy erupted from his hand, knocking the soldier off balance.

"Great save!" Goku cheered, turning to Riku with a grin. "Let's finish this!"

Together, they launched a coordinated attack, combining their strength to take down the remaining soldiers. Riku felt a sense of exhilaration as he fought alongside Goku, their teamwork becoming more seamless with each passing moment.

As the last soldier fell, Riku turned to Goku, panting but exhilarated. "We did it! But what now?"

Commander Red's laughter filled the air again. "Impressive, but you're still no match for me!" He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Prepare to face the true power of the Red Ribbon Army!"

Chapter 7: The ShowdownRiku felt a knot of fear tighten in his stomach as Commander Red stepped forward, his presence radiating menace. "What are you going to do?" Riku asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Red smirked, raising his hand. "I'll show you the true meaning of power!" Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted from him, and the air crackled with intensity.

Goku's expression turned serious. "Riku, we need to be careful. He's not just a regular fighter."

"I know," Riku replied, feeling the weight of the moment. "But we can't back down now!"

With a swift motion, Red unleashed a wave of energy that surged toward them. Goku reacted instantly, pushing Riku out of the way and taking the brunt of the attack. The force knocked Goku back, but he quickly regained his footing.

"Goku!" Riku shouted, rushing to his side. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Goku replied, determination shining in his eyes. "But we need to work together to take him down."

Riku nodded, feeling the energy of the Gene Steal System surging within him. "Let's do this!"

They charged at Commander Red, who was ready for them. He unleashed a flurry of energy blasts, forcing them to dodge and weave. Riku focused on absorbing the energy from Red's attacks, feeling the power coursing through him.

"Now!" Goku shouted, launching himself at Red with a powerful punch. Riku followed closely, channeling the energy he had absorbed into a concentrated blast.

The two attacks collided with Red, but he quickly countered, deflecting their strikes with a wave of his hand. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Riku gritted his teeth, frustration boiling within him. "We can't give up!" he shouted, focusing on the energy within him. He felt a surge of power, and suddenly, he was able to mimic Red's energy manipulation.

"Goku, I can absorb