Jigokudani Hell Valley lies between the borderlands of the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth.
Its location is extremely remote, shielded by dense mountain ranges and covered in mist. Without a guide who knows the ancient paths, even seasoned shinobi would likely never find it.
Similar to the three great sacred places—Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—Jigokudani is steeped in mystery and protected by natural and spiritual barriers.
Nagato only discovered it by sheer accident.
It can only be said that the Hellhound Clan's fortune was tragically poor, for such misfortune to fall upon them.
Nagato's original intent had only been to capture one Hellhound as a summoning beast. The destruction of the entire Hell Valley was collateral—unintended, but devastating.
After all, Nagato had no vendetta against the Hellhounds. As beasts of no known allegiance, there was no purpose in making them "understand pain."
For over a millennium, the Hellhound clan lived in peace, avoiding the shinobi world and its conflicts. They abstained from the Great Ninja Wars, choosing isolation and harmony over violence.
Though proud in nature, they were by no means hostile.
A powerful barrier once surrounded Hell Valley, acting as the first line of defense for the Hellhound Clan.
Ironically, it was this very barrier that drew Nagato's attention. Through the Animal Path, which allows him to summon and contract various creatures, Nagato sensed the presence of powerful beasts.
Thus began the Hellhounds' tragedy.
Kakashi traveled at full speed. After two days, he arrived at Hell Valley.
The barrier was shattered, the valley gate reduced to rubble.
"Kakashi, we're here. This is… Hell Valley."
The three-headed Hellhound leapt from Kakashi's shoulder, its voice heavy with emotion as it stared at the ruins.
Grief, rage, and helplessness swirled in its tone.
This valley had been home for generations. Now, it lay in ruins. For the Seven Prisons, this was not a wound that time could heal.
Such was the way of the shinobi world—clan against clan, ideology against ideology. Conflict bred hatred, and hatred demanded vengeance.
A cycle difficult to break.
Vengeance feeds vengeance. Kill today, and you will be killed tomorrow.
The ninja world is caught in an eternal pendulum—of killing and being killed.
True understanding has always been elusive.
Where there is gain, there is greed. Disputes are inevitable—across nations, villages, or clans.
In the original tale, peace only came when the Five Great Nations united against a common threat.
But even then, how long could that peace last?
When the old generation passes, can the new one uphold such fragile harmony?
History suggests otherwise. Human nature is often too frail to pass such trials.
Kakashi examined the devastation, marveling at Pain's destructive capability. The level of damage suggested that the Deva Path had used a large-scale Shinra Tensei.
Scattered stone, shattered bone, the sheer scale of destruction—it was horrifying.
"Seven Prisons, shall we go in?"
"Of course. I have to see it with my own eyes."
Seven Prisons ran through the ruined gate, and Kakashi followed.
The nine younger Hellhounds had previously explained that all adults had perished during Pain's attack. Only Seven Prisons and those pups had survived.
The remains of some—like Shichikire—were taken by Pain's Six Paths, likely reanimated or studied. The others were buried by the pups in hidden graves.
Perhaps the little ones survived because Pain overlooked them—or deemed them unworthy of his attention.
Nagato's heart may once have been kind, but Yahiko's death had blinded him with hatred.
Soon after, Seven Prisons located the burial site.
Over a hundred graves—some large, some small—lined up in neat rows. The younger pups had clearly worked for days.
Seven Prisons trembled as tears fell from all three eyes.
The clan was nearly extinct.
"I swear on my soul," he growled, "I, Seven Prisons, will avenge you all. One day, I'll return Shichikire's remains to Hell Valley, and lay him to rest. This is my life's vow!"
Kakashi stood silently.
He had extended his sensory perception the moment they arrived—no signs of chakra beyond their own.
It was likely that Nagato was busy consolidating control over Amegakure and hadn't spared a thought for this place.
Or perhaps he simply no longer found value here.
Claiming to be a god, Nagato had become distant—cold to suffering. To him, perhaps, these deaths were necessary sacrifices.
Kakashi wasn't frightened. But he was cautious.
"Come with me," Seven Prisons said abruptly.
Kakashi blinked, then followed.
After a short sprint, they arrived at a secluded corner where an old stone gate stood.
"This is…?"
Kakashi looked around. It appeared ordinary—weather-worn, unassuming. Yet behind it, he could sense a deep, ancient power.
"This gate has been guarded by our clan for generations," said Seven Prisons. "Only those we permit may enter."
"What's inside?"
"It's called the Gate of Hell."
"The Gate of Hell? Not literally… right?" Kakashi said, half-sarcastically.
"Of course not. Even I don't know what lies beyond. I only know what my father told me. Once, decades ago, a powerful ninja was granted entry."
"And then?"
"I never heard what became of him."
Kakashi sweatdropped.
"Then why bring me here?"
"I don't know what lies within. But I can sense a powerful, mysterious force. Our clan cannot pass through the gate. But you might be able to."
"A mysterious force?"
"Yes. And if you can gain it… maybe you can one day defeat that man."
Kakashi stared at the gate. Was this 'power' real?
He couldn't be sure.
"Kakashi, there's no danger," Seven Prisons added quickly. "I know you're uncertain, but I believe in you."
He wasn't being reckless—he had no other path. The man who destroyed his clan was too strong. Kakashi, though young, had potential. A human's growth can defy all expectations.
And beyond this gate… even if unknown… it may be Kakashi's chance.
"Alright," Kakashi said at last. "I'll go in."
It may be dangerous. It may be empty. But if it was protected by the Hellhound Clan for generations—it was worth the risk.
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