After a brief pause, Drona once again addressed Arjuna, his voice calm and instructive: “Do you see that bird standing there, the tree, and me as well, O Arjuna?” Arjuna, attentive and focused, replied, “I see only the bird, not the tree or you, sir.” Drona’s heart was gladdened by Arjuna’s concentration. After another moment, he spoke again to the formidable Pandava, “If you see the bird, then tell me again: what do you see?” Arjuna answered, “I see only the head of the bird, not its body.” Hearing this, Drona’s joy overflowed; his hair bristled with delight. He said, “Release,” and Arjuna, without hesitation, let his arrow fly. With remarkable swiftness, the son of Pandu severed the bird’s head with a sharp arrow and brought it down. Witnessing this feat, Drona embraced Arjuna and, in his heart, considered Drupada and his allies already defeated in battle. Some time later, the best of the Angirasas, Drona, together with his disciples, went to the Ganga to bathe. As Drona entered the water, fate intervened—a powerful crocodile seized him by the leg. Though Drona could have freed himself, he called out urgently to his disciples, “Kill the crocodile and free me quickly!” At that very moment, Bhimasena struck the hidden crocodile with five sharp, unstoppable arrows. The others, confused, shot their arrows at random, but Arjuna’s action was precise and true. Seeing this, Drona regarded Arjuna as foremost among his disciples. By Arjuna’s arrows, the crocodile was cut into pieces, and Drona’s leg was released. The disciples rejoiced in unity, and Drona’s approval was clear. Then, Drona summoned Duryodhana, Citrasena, Duhshasana, Vivimsati, Arjuna, and also his own son Ashvatthaman. With mighty arms, Drona fashioned a clay child and, in the presence of his pupils, cast it into the waters of the Ganga. He blindfolded its eyes and wrapped it in cloth, then set up a target and said, “Strike this child, blindfolded, as it floats in the water.” At that very moment, Arjuna—Bibhatsu, the masterful one—pierced the submerged child with ten arrows, then with five more. Witnessing these feats, Drona was thoroughly pleased and considered Arjuna superior to all his pupils. He addressed Arjuna, the great-souled chariot-warrior: “Take this, mighty-armed one, the supreme and exceedingly difficult weapon called Brahmashiras, with its use and withdrawal. But you must never use this among men; if cast upon one of little energy, it would consume the world. This weapon, my son, is extraordinary among men; bear it with care, and heed my words. If ever a human enemy oppresses you, use it in battle for his destruction.” Arjuna, with palms joined in reverence, promised to uphold his teacher’s instructions and accepted the supreme weapon. Drona then declared, “There will be no archer in the world equal to you.” Having seen the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu accomplished in weapons, Drona spoke to King Dhritarashtra, lord of men, in the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, the wise Bahlika, Gangeya, Vyasa, and Vidura. “O best of the Kurus, the princes have now mastered their learning; with your permission, O king, let them display their skill.” The great king, his heart joyful, replied, “Whenever, wherever, and however you deem fit, command me to make the arrangements. Today, I long to see my sons striving for mastery in weapons, surpassing others in valor. O Kshatta, whatever the teacher commands, do that; for I think nothing could be dearer.” With the king’s approval and Vidura’s consent, Drona, wise and methodical, measured out the ground for the display. On level earth, free of trees and slopes, and near a watercourse, he performed offerings on a day sanctified by lunar phases and stars. The city was proclaimed, and a vast arena prepared according to the scriptures and proper rites. Craftsmen built a well-designed viewing gallery for the king, arranged armed guards, and ensured protection for the women. Platforms were constructed for the people to sit, and luxurious palanquins with great wealth and height were brought. When the day arrived, the king, accompanied by his ministers, household, and counselors, with Vyasa’s approval, placed Bhishma at the forefront, along with the eminent teacher Kripa. He brought Bahlika, Somadatta, Bhurishravas, and other Kurus and counselors from the city. The king, accompanied by Brahmins, reached the arena and entered the divine viewing gallery, adorned with nets of pearls and shining with lapis lazuli, made of golden materials.