The terrified Rakshasa minions, eager to appease the wrath of their new lord, Krodhakala, poured out every detail of the changes that had swept across Aryavarta.
They spoke of the return of the Pandavas, the establishment of peace, and the consolidation of Magadha's dominance under Bahubali.
Krodhakala listened intently, connecting the fragmented pieces of information. "So, this Bahubali is not merely a king, he is a force of change," he mused, his ancient mind calculating. "He slew my brother, and now he is the King of Magadha. And this new group, the Nyay Rakshaks—they operate with such widespread efficiency and righteous fervor..."
A terrifying conclusion settled upon him. "It is not a separate organization! It is his work! This Bahubali is the master, the driving force behind these 'Protectors of Justice' who are dismantling the structure of the human world! He is spreading his influence like a poison, disguised as virtue!"
His mind instantly shifted from vengeance to strategy. Bahubali was a powerful warrior, and more importantly, he was guarded by alliances and popular support. Krodhakala needed to dismantle that foundation.
"Find them," he commanded his minions, his voice a chilling hiss. "Find every king, every noble, and every merchant who chafes under the scrutiny of these Nyay Rakshaks. Find those who see Bahubali's 'justice' as a threat to their sovereignty and wealth. Bring them to me."
The Rakshasa minions, adept at sniffing out human weakness and resentment, swiftly spread across the continent. They returned quickly, having tracked the most disgruntled monarchs: Jayadratha of Sindhu, Bhagadatta of Pragjyotisha, and Paundraka Vasudeva.
Krodhakala convened the secret meeting in a neutral, remote fortress—a grim room where the air was heavy with suspicion and ambition.
Jayadratha, Bhagadatta, and Paundraka Vasudeva, along with a handful of lesser, equally discontented nobles, gathered nervously.
The kings, unable to contain their fury, immediately began their torrent of complaints, not noticing the chilling, predatory gaze of their host.
"The insolence is unbearable!" Bhagadatta boomed, slamming his fist on the table. "My tax collectors are now scrutinized by these 'Rakshaks' as if they were thieves! We cannot govern our own lands without their interference!"
Paundraka Vasudeva sneered. "My court is paralyzed. Every decree is questioned, every loyal minister threatened! My own kingdom is slipping from my grasp, all in the name of this ridiculous 'justice'!"
Jayadratha, his face a mask of bitter hatred, cut through the noise. "It is not justice they seek. It is power. They expose our flaws to erode our authority!" He looked around the room, his eyes blazing. "If we do not move now, we will be vassals in our own palaces!"
Krodhakala, a towering shadow in the corner, finally spoke, his voice unnervingly smooth. "Your complaints are valid, great kings. And I know precisely why your power is being eroded."
He stepped into the light. "The leader of the Nyay Rakshaks is not some high-minded sage. He is a King himself. The man responsible for all your woes... is Bahubali."
A moment of stunned, outraged silence gripped the room.
"BAHUBALI?!" Paundraka Vasudeva sputtered, his face turning crimson.
"The King of Magadha?" Jayadratha hissed, the old humiliation twisting his features. "He dares to use a common rabble group to spy on us?"
The kings were furious, yet their outrage was instantly tempered by the cold fear that followed the name Bahubali. They knew the formidable strength he possessed, the legendary power that had won him Kindhasur's war and the unwavering support of his armies. To declare war on him was suicide.
Krodhakala observed their fear with satisfaction. "I see the terror his name holds. You cannot defeat him alone. But I can. My strength and my power are ancient, far beyond that of any mortal king."
He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Jayadratha. "I will take care of Bahubali. He is my sworn enemy. But I cannot fight his allies and his protectors alone. You must help me in this battle. Commit your armies to this fight. In return, the Nyay Rakshaks will be utterly extinguished, and your kingdoms will be truly yours once more."
The kings exchanged swift, desperate glances. The fear of Bahubali was great, but the opportunity to regain their unchecked power—and eliminate the source of their shame—was greater.
"Agreed," Jayadratha stated, his voice tight with resolve. "We will ally with you. Bahubali must fall."
Bhagadatta and Paundraka Vasudeva nodded their assent. "We stand with you."
The unholy alliance was sealed. Krodhakala's sinister smile broadened as the defeated kings began to lay out their intelligence and draft their dark plans on how to defeat Bahubali and his allies. The stage was set for war.