Now even Karna knew who was going to come next, so he started to pay close attention to how this Rajkumar would show up. With Ira yet to arrive, Karna knew he had to be ready to recount every detail as a story without missing a single thing.

As the announcement of Rajkumar Arjuna's name echoed through the arena, the people began to chant, "Hail Rajkumar Arjuna!" Karna noticed Guruputra aiming at the head of the elephant statue. Suddenly, the Guru took control and released the arrow. As it struck, the statue began to collapse just as Rajkumar Arjuna made his entrance. The structure fell on top of him, and Karna heard Rajamata Kunti cry out for her son.

However, from the rubble, an arrow emerged, followed by Arjuna himself, unscathed. He had used his arrows to form a shield above him, saving himself from the falling debris. Karna now understood that there had been an attempt on Arjuna's life, and it was only his archery skills that had saved him. If it had been anyone else, they might not have survived.

The crowd's enthusiasm soared as they chanted even louder, "Hail Rajkumar Arjuna!" Before beginning the duel, Arjuna sent multiple arrows into the ground in front of the elders as a sign of respect, showcasing his reverence and humility.

The duel then began, and within a few moves, Rajkumar Arjuna had frozen Rajkumar Duryodhana, securing his victory. The people hailed Rajkumar Arjuna, celebrating his triumph.

Guru Drona addressed the assembled crowd, proudly proclaiming that Rajkumar Arjuna was the top archer in the world and unbeatable. He then asked Arjuna to release Rajkumar Duryodhana. However, before Arjuna could act, Karna stood up and respectfully addressed Acharya Drona.

"Acharya Drona, what you said is unacceptable. Please change it," Karna said politely. Guru Drona, surprised, asked what was wrong with his statement. Karna replied, "You can name Rajkumar Arjuna as one of the top archers, but not the top archer." He maintained his respectful tone and demeanor.

Hearing this, Rajkumar Bhima grew angry and challenged Karna, "Who are you? Do you even know about archery?"

Karna politely responded, "I am the son of Adhiratha, who happens to be Mahamahim Bhishma's charioteer, and my name is Radheya Karna. I know about archery as I am an archer myself." Despite his respectful tone, Rajaguru interjected, questioning, "What can a Sutputra like you know about archery? Do you think you have the right to speak in this setting?" Concerned that Karna's claims might tarnish the royal family's honor, Rajaguru felt compelled to act.

The crowd began to murmur, telling Karna to remain silent because he was a Sutputra. Karna's heart broke hearing these words, but suddenly, a powerful voice thundered through the stadium. "Did you people even ask why he said that? Without knowing anything, don't admonish him. So, what if he is a Sutputra? He spoke the truth, while those speaking highly lack the brains to understand what they are saying!"

The crowd fell silent, trying to identify the source of the voice. Only three people recognized it: Mahamahim Bhishma, Guru Drona, and Karna. Angered by the insult to his father, Ashwatthama demanded, "Show yourself if you have the guts! Don't speak while hiding."

As the figure in white, holding an axe, stepped forward, the entire arena fell silent, recognizing the imposing presence of Lord Parashurama. The one most visibly shaken was Ashwatthama. Lord Parashurama commanded Karna to release Rajkumar Duryodhana. Karna complied immediately and moved quickly toward his guru.

Lord Parashurama then turned to the Rajaguru and asked angrily, "Why did you not ask who taught him Dhanur Vidhya since he is a Sutputra?" He then faced Guru Drona and questioned, "Do you now realize your mistake?" Guru Drona, looking puzzled, shook his head. Parashurama then addressed Bhishma, "Do you know why he is wrong?" Bhishma admitted he knew. Lord Parashurama continued, "Then why didn't you stop it or support what was right? Why should he have to endure such words without doing anything wrong?" Bhishma lowered his head in shame.

Turning back to Guru Drona, Lord Parashurama said, "Now my student will show you why you are wrong. Let's see how you have taught your students." He then directed Karna to demonstrate what he had learned.

Sensing the situation spiraling out of control, Rajaguru protested, "Rajkumars can only fight those of equal status." Karna stood still, his bow raised, following his guru's orders, seemingly unaffected by the Rajaguru's words.

Parashurama then turned to Bhishma, saying, "When you became a servant to the throne, forgetting the Guru Dakshina you promised to me, which is to uphold dharma, protect the weak, and ensure justice? How many injustices have you permitted because of your vow of servitude? Today, I ask you to make my student, who will take my mantle, the king of Anga, which you conquered before. Will you, do it?"

Hearing this, Shakuni made eye contact with Rajkumar Duryodhana, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Karna. However, Karna was more astounded by his guru's words.

Karna turned towards Lord Parashurama with a look that clearly screamed, "Are you serious?" This look was understood by everyone present. Sensing their moment had arrived, Rajkumar Duryodhana addressed Lord Parashurama, "You said exactly what I was thinking. I have always made it a habit to befriend great warriors, and I will do the same now."

Lord Parashurama retorted, "For what? To commit crimes on your behalf or to exploit their valor for your own profit?" He then turned to Karna, stating, "If my student truly desires to rule, he possesses the ability to do so single-handedly. There is no need for provisions. What I am asking for is my Guru Dakshina that your Pitamah promised to pay. I thought if I forgave him once for not following through on his promise, he would never repeat it. But now I understand that in his mind, he placed servitude above morals. So now, I ask what he can give me instead of an empty promise. It must be paid by him as a person, not as a servant to the throne."

Lord Parashurama, with a commanding presence, addressed Bhishma, "Now answer me, Bhishma. Will you be able to give the title of Anga to my student, or do you need to ask your Maharaja for that? I can wait. Alternatively, you can conquer any new kingdom for me. However, until you pay for my Shiksha, I will not leave this place."

He then made eye contact with Karna, who swiftly created a seat for his Guru using his arrows and stood nearby, as if silently questioning, "Please tell me what you are doing?"

Seeing that Lord Parashurama was about to sit on the seat made of arrows, Guru Drona cried out and asked Karna, "Are you out of your mind?" At this moment, Rajkumar Yudhishthira asked Rajkumar Bheema to help carry a proper seat for Lord Parashurama. However, Lord Parashurama gestured them aside and asked Guru Drona to sit on the seat made by Karna.

Seeing the stern look in Parashurama's eyes, Guru Drona obliged, perceiving it as a form of punishment. When he sat on the seat, he was astonished to find it unexpectedly soft. He turned to his guru with a look of surprise. Lord Parashurama, noticing his expression, asked, "How does the seat feel?"

Guru Drona, still in shock, replied, "It feels soft."

Lord Parashurama responded, "Of course, what did you expect?" With that, he reclaimed the seat made for him by his student, Karna, further solidifying the young archer's skill and devotion.

At the same time, Maharaja Dhritarashtra, curious about the unfolding events, asked his confidant for an update. Everyone was engrossed in watching Guru Drona about to sit down when Gandharaja Shakuni approached the Maharaja. Shakuni advised Dhritarashtra to accept the deal made by Lord Parashurama, explaining that it would place Mahamahim Bhishma in Maharaja debt, which could be advantageous for them. Dhritarashtra agreed to this suggestion, a decision that did not go unnoticed by Bhishma, his guru Parashurama, or Karna.

Observing the conspiracy within the royal family, Karna felt a sense of relief and gratitude for being born to Radha and Adhiratha. Lost in thought about the politics and intrigue, Karna missed the significant look Lord Parashurama gave to Bhishma, a look that seemed to question the worth of Bhishma's many sacrifices.

They announced Karna as the King of Anga, and the people hailed in unison, "Hail Raja of Anga!" The duel between Karna and Rajkumar Arjuna began, with the crowd astonished to see both warriors equally matched. As the sun began to set, with the final arrow launched towards Karna, he stood still. Just as the arrow was about to make contact, a golden Kavach (armor) appeared, breaking the arrow into three pieces before receding, as if it had never appeared.

Suddenly, Rajamata Kunti fainted. Those close to her rushed to her side, concerned and bewildered. It was because Rajamata Kunti had realized Karna was her firstborn son.

Many years ago, before her marriage, Kunti had been granted a boon by Sage Durvasa, allowing her to invoke any deity and bear a child by them. Out of curiosity and reverence, she invoked the Sun God, Surya, and was blessed with a son born with divine armor and earrings. Fearing societal backlash and unmarried motherhood, she placed the infant in a basket and set him adrift on the river, where he was found and raised by Adhiratha and Radha.

Seeing the divine armor on Karna, Rajamata Kunti's long-buried memories resurfaced, and she recognized Karna as her eldest son. The overwhelming realization and mixed emotions led to her fainting. As attendants revived her, the significance of the moment dawned on those who knew the story.

The battle ended in a draw, and everyone proceeded to their homes. Mahamahim Bhishma approached Karna, inviting him to the evening function, which was to be full of music and food, meant to build social connections. Karna, however, was preoccupied with worry about Ira's whereabouts as the sun continued to set.

His dilemma was noticed by the Pandavas, Bhishma, Guru Drona, and Lord Parashurama. Despite his concern, Lord Parashurama assured Bhishma that he would attend the function and that there was no need to worry. Lord Parashurama then turned to Karna and whispered, "Did you remember what the sage told you before you came here?"

Karna froze for a moment, and then replied, "I will be there, and I will inform my parents." With that, he left, still deeply worried about Ira.