Disclaimer: Naruto and all other things incorporated with it are © Masashi Kishimoto
Melody, writing, storyline, picture, and most of the OC characters © to me, Miaku Astradah. All rights reserved. Please be respectful!

Author's Random Blah blah blah: Second chapter..? Already? Yea, I had fun writing this and I had time. Finally I can describe some of the other genins. And above all… Orochimaru! This chapter may be edited later on for as far as the description of the Village of Sound goes. I'm not entirely sure about what it looks like, but from scenes with Kabuto and Orochimaru, I can only guess that most of the village is in catacomb like settings. But I would imagine some of it to be above ground, as looking back at Zaku's past and when he met Orochimaru.

To answer Esther, I'd like to firstly say thank you for the long review. I really appreciate it, as do I appreciate the other reviews I have received. And I didn't take your comment as offensive, so dont worry. I'm prety llaid back.This story will be mainly focusing on the life of a sound genin and yes, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, and the gang will make appearances. I mean, what's a Naruto fanfic without them? I did consider making it a one-shot, but I feel as if I can expand more. I can only pray that it doesn't get out of hand and that the Village of Sound in this is as accurate as possible. I am willing to hear anyone's ideas or concerns in the reviews, so don't be shy. I want to make this story as accurate, interesting, and as good as possible. Constructive critism is fine with me.

Hope you like the second chapter and please review!

Thanks.

Scroll 2: Orochimaru

It was the next morning when Melody awoke, shaking with cold. She opened her eyes halfway, barely moving her head to look up at the clock. It was still early and she suspected she was the only one up in the house. Her father had more than likely already left.. She yawned as she sat up, stretching and cracking her back. She looked back over at the clock with a frown as she got up from her bed and began to get dressed for training.

When she finished, she went to her mirror and began to put her hair up, tying it back into a simple ponytail. She was hoping that Kin wouldn't make fun of her today for having long beautiful hair. She sighed as she looked at her form in the mirror. Black form fitting black shorts with bandages around her upper leg, a bag tied carefully around it, a simple loose gray shirt with the symbol of her village on it, and wrapped bandages around her bruised arms. She grabbed her most cherished possession next and attached it to her arm; her weapon called the 'melody Arm'.

She attached the item to her left arm, strapping it down and making sure it was firmly on her arm. She could still remember how it cut off the circulation when she was younger. A bittersweet smile made its way on her face at the thought of how the other genins were laughing at her as she fell over for its weight. Grabbing her ninja band, she wrapped it around her head and went downstairs.

She went into the kitchen, grabbing a simple pastry and some water before walking outside into the cold crisp morning air. The dark gray clouds hung around lazily, hiding the usually bright morning sun and instead holding it hostage, demanding attention. But sad dreary days were common in the Village of Sound; with or without sun.

"Ohayo, Melody."

She blinked as she turned to see Samuzi Okami coming towards her, a sheepish grin adorning his face. She smiled towards him as she nodded, "Ohayo, Okami-kun."

"Hai. How are you, Melody-chan?" he asked with a grin. Okami was always smiling, always in a good mood and eager to try or do something new.

Samuzi Okami was known as the wild one. Not just for his unique and wild looks, but also for his unpredictable personality. He was brilliantly psychotic and took a lot of pride in that fact and title. Practically all the genins new who he was by face and name.

His hair was dirty blonde, bordering more onto the brown side now that he was getting older. His hair was always messy, going whatever way it liked, when it liked. Some even believed that he never once brushed his hair. His eyes were a navy blue, filled with so many emotions that no one could keep track of. He had a broad, well rounded chin and strong cheek bones. Some girls would've found him as attractive, but he was usually to unmanageable for their liking.

His teeth were also quite unique, looking to have canine like fangs in the front at first glance to add onto his unruly look. His skin was very tan, being tanner than anyone else's in the genin ranks, or even the whole village, due to the amount of time he spent basking and training in the sun. To further his stand out appearance, he even went to the liberty of adding two navy markings a little below his eyes, running down the side of his face, much like a warrior would put on war paint for a battle.

His clothing varied in whatever he felt like. For now, though he wore his dark gray pants, tucked into the knee high black leather boots. All of the belts around his waist clanked and were held loosely by each other, but they served a purposed: in them he carried his shurikens and other ninja items. His shirt was loose as well, except the sleeves were cut off and the whole shirt had rips and tears in it, a reminder of how hard he usually trained.

When Melody had been assigned to be with Samuzi Okami and Uchoten Netsui, Okami was more than happy to have her with him, regardless of the fact that she was a year younger than him. He was the first real person she was ever comfortable with talking to and had actually talked to outside of training. Netsui, however, was a different case.

"So, the big day is coming up then, ne?" Okami asked with a devilish smirk.

Melody had almost forgotten. Two more days and she would be twelve. She smiled as she nodded. Okami sighed, "My my… turning twelve already? So much for the youngest genin!" he looked down at her, placing his hands in his pocket, "So what would you like for your birthday?"

Melody shrugged, "Nothing really."

"Nothing? You can't be serious!" he cried out, "I mean, you're a girl after all. How's chap stick or something?"

"Sure." Melody replied.

Okami frowned, "I was being sarcastic."

Melody blinked, "You were? I- I didn't notice."

"How harsh…." Okami sighed, narrowing his eyes and putting his hands behind his head with a frown. Some of the Jounins that were through out the village looked down at the genins with narrowed eyes. They viewed most of the genins, especially Okami, as immature and unworthy to live in the village. People weren't very friendly and were mainly like prisoners in the village. Only a few were aloud to live up ground. Most of the peasants and workers lived underground, unless they were farmers. Those of a more regal or higher status were allowed to live somewhat normally above with the permission of Orochimaru.

The dark entrance of the underground soon came into view. Melody glanced at Okami who just stared at it with no real concern or interest. They both walked through, ignoring the two Jounins that usually always watched the entrance. Immediately it became dark, the only lighting were hundreds or hundreds of candles everywhere. Cells filled with people and hidden doorways decorated the cold catacombs.

Reaching their destination, they walked into the genin training room to find some of the other genins waiting in the room patiently for their instructors. Okami slumped down on his knees while Melody stood near him, looking around shyly at the others.

The first one she spotted was Abumi Zaku. His hair was dark and his eyes just as deep. He was usually very witty and confident in himself, making him seem almost conceited at first. But he was a reliable team member and trained as hard as he could.

The next was Kinuta Dosu, the one she used to train with a lot. Mainly he covered his face with wrappings for a reason unknown to anyone but himself, and usually slumped when he walked like he had bricks on his back. He was very intelligent and could easily analyze a situation in any battle.

Then there was Tsuchi Kin. Kin was the person Melody was the most uncomfortable around. Not because Kin was strong, but because she didn't like Melody and had made it known to everyone. Kin had long, ankle length black hair tied back in a bow and similar training clothes like Melody's. Kin hated girly girls who were more obsessed with their appearance than their ninja techniques, so naturally Kin had assumed that Melody was one of those girls. She would go out of her way to make a snide remark about Melody's appearance…and her age.

And finally, there was Uchoten Netsui. Netsui was the cool, collective guy that girls would happily die for if they could just touch him. His hair was a light blonde and his eyes a deep emerald green. He was tall, fit, and had a voice that would make any girl weaken at the knees. He was favored, praised, and most of all…he was conceited. He knew he was good and handsome and showed it in his actions. His fighting techniques and ninjutsu were perfect, his body was perfect; he was perfect.

Melody looked back at the floor. A few other teams were there as well, but they had never played to much of a roll to her. There was the middle team, team 2, whose members consisted of Kishimi Sadako, Haro Shocho, and Fujomo Toyama. Sadako was, and had been, someone everyone refused to talk to. She rather be by herself and did not like people. Shocho took his comfort in inflicting pain on himself. He loved blood and would often stab himself or someone by him just to see the red liquid. And Toyama could care less about friendship; he had sworn to be a perfect ninja for Orochimaru-sama.

The other few teams Melody was not to familiar with. Some of them had just been transferred here, people she suspected Orochimaru found and brought.

Kin glanced at Melody, causing her to stiffen and look to the floor. She grinned as she remarked, "Come here to gaze at Netsui?"

"Iie. I came here to train." Melody replied.

Kin smirked, "Yea sure. Dosu is way better than you at the melody arm. You, on the other hand, have no idea what you are doing! Your just a wannabe."

Melody crossed her arms for comfort and said nothing. Kin looked back over at Zaku, "Wouldn't you agree?"

Zaku nodded, "Dosu is one of the best. As is Netsui."

"How unfortunate that she is on a team with Netsui." Kin sighed, "They could've made a more useful team with me on it instead of her."

Zaku and Kin continued to talk amongst themselves while Melody slumped to the floor, grabbing her legs and waiting as patiently as she could for her father to get there. She just wanted to train…

"Don't mind them." Okami advised.

"I never do." Melody looked up at the door longingly.

The door opened, Miotoshi Shinjuro along with a few other Jounins came in. Amongst them was Orochimaru, following them with a smile etched on his face. His face was pale and sickly looking, his eyes a serpent yellow, the violet eyeliner helping it to stand out more. His hair was long and black, straight and covering most of his face. He wore a Dark blue Yukata, showing off his wealth and higher authority.

He looked at the genins in the room; all of them his puppets, his servants. They all bowed their head in respect as the Jounins stood behind him, prepared for any order he gave them. He cleared his throat as he spoke, "I suspect that none of you are ready for the Chuunin exam yet, so…" He glanced back at the Jounins and nodded, "…today starts the first day of a year you will never forget. These next 365 days will be the toughest days of your life. You will train everyday for 18 hours straight, with only a 3 minute break ever three hours. Most of you may die in the process, but it'll be worth it. If you are too afraid to go through with this, then back out now."

Everyone was silent as Orochimaru studied them all for a trace of fear. He continued, "You will not see your parents nor will you be allowed to leave. You will sleep in the training rooms. You will eat what we give you. You will train when we tell you to. You will do what we ask of you. Are you willing to do this? If not, step forward now."

There was a rush of unease in the room. They all exchanged glances to see who would be the first, and bravest, to step before him. One of the genins stepped forward. Akazi Miyu. Miyu bowed her head as she gently said, "Sumimasen Orochimaru-sama!"

Orochimaru raised a brow, but smiled as he reached out and touched the top of the girl's head. It was no surprise to Melody that it was Miyu, seeing how she had always been the quiet and reserved one. Miyu had short black hair, her front bangs curled out and cupped her face. Melody had talked to her a few times and liked the fact that someone was still sane and humble in the genin ranks. Miyu seemed to be the only one who was truly human, but that was her weakness. To be a ninja, you had to be heartless. And Miyu had a heart of gold. She was always helping out the others and concerned about everyone's well-being,

Orochimaru replied, "That's all right, young one." He stepped back and looked at the Jounins, saying "Kill her."

Miyu's eyes widened as she shook her head and cried out, "Please, no! I'll got through with it! I changed my mind!"

Orochimaru shook his head, "You made your decision."

Two of the Jounins stepped forward and grabbed her by her arms, ramming her against the stone wall. Miyu screamed mercilessly, flailing her legs and moving her head back and forth, crying and begging to keep her life. A third picked up a Kunai and walked towards her, his eyes emotionless. The genins watched in horror as he jammed the kunai into her throat, causing Miyu's screams to cease.

Blood trickled down her neck as Miyu looked up, her eyes still wide and her mouth hanging open, words unable to form and come out of her mouth. The Jounin raised a brow as he grabbed her head with one hand and began to ram it forcefully back and forth into the stone wall. A loud crack echoed throughout the room as Miyu's head hung over, blood and brains seeping out of her severed skull. The Jounins let go, letting her slide to the floor, making a blood trail on the wall from where her head had opened.

Orochimaru turned back to the genins, who were still staring at Miyu's corpse with widened eyes. Melody covered her mouth to keep her breakfast from coming up. Netsui just shook his head with a smug grin.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you. You are mine and you will do what I ask of you. You defy me, or my laws, and you'll end up like that girl." Orochimaru stated. "Understood?"

"Hai, Orochimaru-sama." the genins said in unison.

"You have one day to rest up and pack for the year of training. Leave and prepare yourselves." he replied as he turned and walked out, the Jounins following him obediently.

The door shut and the genins were left alone with Miyu's corpse as a grim reminder of the authority they were under. Melody was the first to walk forward and kneel before Miyu, looking at her with pity.

"A ninja must not show any emotion in any situation." Okami stated as he looked at Melody.

"Hai. But respect for the dead is necessary." Melody replied as she reached over and closed Miyu's open dead eyes. She bowed her head and said a short prayer before standing and walking out of the room, saying nothing more to Okami.

Netsui watched as she left and growled, "Miyu was an idiot. Go figure that she would be the first to give up."

Okami glanced back at him, "Miyu liked you a lot you know…"

"Hai." Netsui put his hands in his pockets, "But I hate weak women who barely speak." He turned and walked out as well, following the other genin.

Okami sighed as he as glanced at Miyu. It was very unfortunate that someone with such a promising future had to be killed, but it had to be done. Okami turned and left without a look back.

All the genins had to prepare for a year of hell.

Hey, there is a Go button! I wonder what'll happen if you push it… Oh! I know! It'll allow you to make a review! Omg, push it push it! Orochimaru will hug you and kiss you with his long tongurooo! And perhaps I'll even pull off Kakashi's mask! Or maybe… trim Gai's eyebrows! Oh yea!!!

Please R-E-V-I-E-W!!!!!!