"Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter - Sanctuary" is the first part of the Hades arc in the "Saint Seiya" series, serving as a direct continuation of the preceding Sanctuary and Poseidon storylines. The narrative begins with the resurrection of the deceased Gold Saints, who were once allies of the protagonists, the Bronze Saints. These Gold Saints, including iconic figures like Saga, Camus, and Shaka, are brought back to life by Hades, the god of the underworld, to serve as his Specters in an invasion of Sanctuary, the sacred domain of Athena.

The resurrected Gold Saints, now under Hades' control, infiltrate Sanctuary with the goal of obtaining Athena's head, which is said to grant ultimate power. The Bronze Saints—Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki—must confront their former mentors and comrades, who are now enemies. The story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil as the Bronze Saints struggle to reconcile their respect for the Gold Saints with the necessity of stopping them.

Key battles unfold as the Bronze Saints face off against the resurrected Gold Saints, each encounter revealing deeper layers of the characters' motivations and the tragic circumstances of their resurrection. The narrative also introduces new elements, such as the concept of the Eighth Sense, which allows Saints to enter the underworld alive, a crucial ability for the impending conflict with Hades.

The arc culminates in a dramatic confrontation at the heart of Sanctuary, where the Bronze Saints and the remaining loyal Gold Saints unite to protect Athena and thwart Hades' plans. The story sets the stage for the subsequent arcs, "The Hades Chapter - Inferno" and "The Hades Chapter - Elysion," as the battle against Hades and his forces escalates. The series maintains a strong focus on the interplay between its characters, their shared history, and the high-stakes battles that define the "Saint Seiya" universe.