Duryodhana suspects Bhishma’s commitment; Karna vows to finish the Pandavas if Bhishma steps down, and Shakuni backs the move. The request wounds Bhishma, who fights beyond age and limits on Day 9, decimating the Pandava ranks. Arjuna hesitates, Krishna surges to strike, and Arjuna finally resolves to face his grandsire. That night, Yudhishthira seeks thesecret; Bhishma repeats it: if Shikhandi stands before him, he will lay down arms.