As they approach the House of Cancer, Saga, Shura and Camus can sense the presence of death, and end up in the Land of Death. Suddenly, zombies start attacking them. Shiryu finally arrives at the Sanctuary, but is attacked by someone. Saga defeats the zombies and stops the illusion with his Galaxian Explosion. Shura senses someone following them, but Saga said they will take care of them later. At the same time, Ikki appears before Shiryu, telling him to leave as they aren't allowed here, and that he's only here to observe the battle. Angered, Shiryu attacks Ikki, saying he's fighting for Athena and his friends. Ikki then points Shiryu to Seiya's direction before leaving. Shion and Dohko talk, revealing that they were the only survivors of the previous Holy War. Shiryu finds Seiya, alive, at the colisseum, due to Mu's teleportation. Even though Seiya is angry at Ikki for not joining them now, Shiryu reminds Seiya that he is their friend and comrade, and that he may be needed in this battle. Both friends head to the 12 Houses, reminiscing about the past when they last ran up those stairs to save Athena. Meanwhile, Saga and his friends are still trying to break through the House of Cancer, sensing a powerful Cosmos, belonging to Virgo Shaka, who was using an illusion to distract them for 12 hours. Saga realizes he must kill Shaka to stop the illusion and fires a powerful blast to the House of Virgo. However, Shaka protected himself with a barrier, and counters with a blast of energy, just as powerful to the House of Cancer. Shion tries to leave, sensing the attacks, but Dohko stops him, ready to settle the score.