You Wanna Be on Top?

by SandsnakeQueen

Shizuka Uzumaki is competing in the biggest modeling competition in all of Japan with her twin brother Naruto. As she goes through rounds and rounds of runway and photoshoots, follow along as Shizuka makes friends and, possible enemies, as she chases her dream. She may even find a little romance with a certain redhead along the way. Multiple Naruto characters and couples included!

10. The Final Cut

Chapter 10: The Final Cut

Normal POV

"Kakashi, you have got to admit. It has been years, years, since 'You Wanna Be on Top?' has seen a group of models so diverse, so unique, as this year's batch."

The silver haired man looked up from the book he was reading to see his brown haired friend looking out the window at the full moon above, a small smile stretched across his face, which Kakashi thought look really goofy on him.

"They definitely are a unique batch when you really think about it," said Kakashi as he turned a page. "Unfortunately, we both know that not every single one of the models that are still in contention are going to make it all the way to the main rounds . . . We're going to have to kick some of these models out. We're going to be crushing a few dreams with the decisions we make tonight Yamato. You do understand that, don't you?"

"Oh, I understand that Kakashi. I've been doing this for years, just like you have," said Yamato as he turned away from the window. "And do you have to be so blunt about it?"

"I'm not me without my bluntness. You don't survive being in the fashion industry as long as I have without being a little straightforward," said Kakashi, his book now forgotten. "Just be glad that you don't have to be the bearer of bad news come tomorrow night."

"That's correct, because being the bearer of bad news is my job, not yours Yamato."

At the sound of the voice, Kakashi and Yamato both turned their heads to see a blonde woman walk into the room. She was dressed in a black suit with a low cut white top underneath that showed off her generous decolletage. Her long blonde hair was tied up into two loose ponytails, and as she walked into the suite, the woman's presence exuded an aura that screamed a 'Supermodel'.

"Tsunade, it's so nice of you to finally join us!" said Yamato as she took a seat on the couch across from theirs. "So, how did your little mission go?"

"It was fun going undercover as one of the freelance photographers," said Tsunade, her mouth breaking into a grin. "It was great to see for myself how our models would do when they're put in a situation such as the one we put them in this afternoon. I think some people really stepped up to the plate, and others just failed to deliver the goods."

"So, shall we start our judging then?" asked Kakashi as he gestured to the coffee table, where photos of the models from today's challenge were strewn all across the glass surface. "Tsunade, do you have any idea how many people we're going to allow into the main round this year?"

"Originally, I planned for 20 to move on to the model house," said Tsunade, her face looking wistful. "But this year, this year's batch of models are so diverse, so amazingly different, that it's inspiring me to be generous this year, well, a little generous . . . I think one more person may find their way into the model house with our Top 20 this time around."

"But you said you're feeling a little generous, which means it could be possible that you may not feel generous enough to even allow a 21st spot. Am I right?" asked Kakashi, who was most likely smirking behind his mask. Tsunade simply smiled back in return. "I thought so . . . Anyway, let's get this party started?"

"Oh yes! Let's see, we originally had 50 models left to consider for 20, possibly 21, spots, but the number is down to 49 due to one model's behavior during today's event," said Tsunade as she looked down at the photos. "Let's start the debate. Are there any models that have truly caught your eyes you guys?"

"One of my top picks has got to be that Sasuke kid," said Kakashi as he picked up one of the photos that showed the Uchiha. "He definitely has a strong look, and probably has one of the most intense gazes I've ever seen in my history of doing this competition. My one issue is his hair."

"His hair is definitely unique. I think a good haircut come makeover week will do him some good, well, if he makes it that far . . . Judging from that look in your eye, you definitely believe he'll survive to that week," Yamato begrudgingly says, his reaction making both Kakashi and Tsunade smile. "But that's not the issue I have with him . . . My issue with him is that he has a bit of an arrogant side to him that could easily rub clients the wrong way. When you're a model, one of the main things you need to have is a personality that is at least welcoming, and I'm not entirely convinced he's capable of it."

"I see where you're coming from with this Yamato. Of course, I was there at the party, undercover of course. Sasuke was actually one of the models that I was eager to see during the party. He takes great photos, don't get me wrong. The camera loves him, but when the camera's off him, he can be a bit snobbish and standoffish . . . But, I am willing to give him a chance."

"Are you serious Tsunade?" Yamato asked with a shocked look on his face. The look on the blonde's face told him her answer. "Alright fine. Majority vote wins I guess . . . This Sasuke kid better prove me wrong, because I'm still not sure about him."

"I think this competition will be a great way for him to lose some of that arrogant-like nature that he has, especially when he actually has to meet with a client," says Tsunade as she put the Uchiha's photo aside. "Let's move on to the next model . . . I'm very interested in the two cousins that we have here: Hinata and Neji Hyuga. What do you two think of them?"

"Their eyes are absolutely amazing! I have no doubts about that" said Yamato, Kakashi and Tsunade both nodding their heads in agreement. "I think Neji can do great things in this competition, and so can Hinata. Hinata especially, looks like a porcelain doll come to life. My one problem with her is that she does seem a bit shy, almost timid sometimes. Regardless of that one little critique, I'd say they both stay."

"They're not the only ones from the same family to still be in our Top 49. We have a set of twins from the Tokyo area, and then we have the three kids of the mayor of Fukuoka still in this competition," adds Kakashi as he took up the five photos of the models in question. "Do you think we'll have the space for all five of them?"

"I think so. Let's start off with the Sabakuno trio shall we?" asked Tsunade as she pulled the three photos forward. "I'm amazed at the genetics of this family. I'll be honest, if you placed these photos in front of me, and I had no idea that these three were siblings, I would think that they were three totally unrelated strangers."

"There are some physical similarities, but they're very subtle. Gaara's the one, in my opinion, that has the most unique look of the three," says Kakashi as he pointed to the middle photo. "The green eyes just pull you in. His red hair would be a different look for fashion, especially on the runway because he does have a pretty decent walk."

"How do you think clients will react when they see his insomnia rings and the tattoo on his forehead?"

"Well Tsunade, there's always makeup to cover up the tattoo if the clients do not want to see it, or photoshop, or tattoo removal, but the latter is up to Gaara's discretion of course," says Kakashi. "As for the insomniac rings, he's an insomniac. It can't be helped. They do help give him an edgy vibe though."

"During makeover week, we don't just have makeovers happen. We also offer other services to the models if we think it'll help further their careers, like visits to the optometrist for contact lenses or visits to the dermatologist to take care of skin issues," says Tsunade as a contemplative look came across her face. "If we allow Gaara to go through, or Izuka because she also has insomnia on the same level as Gaara's, this would be the first time in 'You Wanna Be on Top?' history that we would call in a sleep specialist to help them with their insomnia."

"From what you have seen of them already, do you think their insomnia will give Gaara and Izuka trouble in this competition?" Yamato asked with an eyebrow raised. "I think they're strong competitors. I don't think their sleep issues will harm them that much, but it doesn't hurt to at least lessen the appearance of their insomnia rings just a tad. Some clients may like them, especially the edgier ones, while the more commercial clients may not."

"A dermatologist can help with the rings, but I think they're edgy. As for their potential in the competition, they'll definitely be a set of competitors unique in their own separate way," said Tsunade as she looked over the table. "Okay, who's next?"

The three judges launched themselves into a debate on the prospects of another model. The night ended up becoming a nonstop cycle of picking a model from the group, debating his or her potential and future in the competition, and deciding whether or not to keep or eliminate the model from said competition. The process took hours, and a few drinks here and there, but after the clock struck one in the morning, the discussion was complete and the decisions were made.

"Boys, we got our models," said Tsunade, an empty martini glass perched at her side. "The new season of 'You Wanna Be on Top?' is officially a go."

---

X-x-X-x-X

The next night (Back to Izuka's POV)

T minus 10 minutes till judgement time.

That was the lone thought that came into my head as I looked at the elevator clock. It was 7:50 right now, which gave us only ten minutes max to get to the rooftop for the fateful announcement that was going to tell 49 potential models, including myself, who made it to the model house and how many of us made it through. They always change the number every year, making the announcement that much more unpredictable, more suspenseful, and that much more worrisome that I'm almost shaking in my four inch wedges.

"I am absolutely nervous beyond belief right now that I'm almost breaking into a sweat, well, I think," I mumble as I bring a hand to my forehead, the elevator finally stopping at the intended floor. As soon as the doors slide open, a loud hum of voices greeted us from somewhere down the hall, which is something that I wasn't expecting if people were allowed to wait out on the open rooftop. I guess they weren't letting people out until the clock struck eight after all. "Is anyone else nervous, or is it just me overreacting?"

"Trust me, you're not the only one Izuka. Take me for example: I'm trying to not erratically rock back and forth over here, and poor Hinata is trying to stop herself from twiddling her thumbs!" I hear TenTen say as we step out of the elevator. "She's failing, if you were wondering."

"I can't help myself. When I'm nervous, I mess with my hands." Hinata's voice almost trembles at the end, and I turn to see that the girl was almost shaking like a leaf on a branch in a windstorm.

"Take in some deep breaths Hinata. That always helps." I say as I give her a quick hug. "If deep breaths don't work, think about something pleasant. You know, something that can keep your mind off of what's going to happen tonight."

"You three and your nerves. You don't see me freaking out."

We all turn our heads to the fourth girl in our little clique to see that what she said was true. Despite what was going to happen tonight, Temari looked relatively at ease. She was pretty much as cool as a cucumber, which is something that I can't say for the rest of us.

"Well, I guess you wouldn't be one for getting nervous once we put your background under consideration," I say as I cross my arms over my chest. "As the daughter of a mayor, I guess you have been in much more nerve-wracking situations than this one."

"Damn straight," Temari says with a superior grin as she starts walking ahead of us. "Thanks to my time in the political spotlight I have had plenty of experience with nerve-wracking situations, thus the not nervous-looking girl you see before you. My dad would always bring me to political events where I had to take photos with him, or even answer a question here and there, and those times really helped me build up my confidence."

"Well good for you," says TenTen, sarcasm laced throughout her tone as she walked after Temari, leaving Hinata and I to bring up the rear. "And I don't think you're being entirely honest with the rest of us. I bet you are nervous, but you're just hiding it on the inside."

"I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case." All eyes went to Kankuro, who appeared before us from around the corner, followed closely by Gaara. Both of them were dressed in button down shirts, formal slacks, and dress shoes. They both looked nice, but honestly, it made Gaara look a whole lot different compared to his usual jacket and boots look. It was a difference that I kinda liked.

"I'll admit: Temari has developed one hell of a poker face over the years, but her look can't compare to Gaara's," Kankuro happily exclaims as he slaps his brother right in the back. It earned him a small scowl from the redhead. "Gaara here is the king of the poker face."

"There is a Lady Gaga reference to be made here, but I'm too focused on calming my nerves to actually say it," I say as we reach the boys. The hallway that led up to the door to the rooftop was crammed with our fellow competitors, which makes one wonder how long people were waiting up here. "We're not being let out onto the roof until it's actually eight right?"

"Pretty much. Most of the competition started gathering up here about 20 minutes ago, except for this one guy. You know the guy with the bushy eyebrows and the bowl cut, Lee? He's been waiting up here since 5:30 this afternoon!"

"Really Kankuro?" Hinata asks, her face now looking noticeably calmer. "He's been up here for the past two and a half hours straight?"

"He's either that dedicated, or he couldn't stand his roommates anymore that he decided to come up here earlier than everybody."

"More like his roommates couldn't stand him anymore Temari," my brother's loud voice reaches us from somewhere within the crowd, and soon enough, he himself emerges from the crowd. "Turns out his roomies kicked him out because he was incessantly talking about the 'spirit of youth', or something like that. Neji's still up there talking to him right now."

"Spirit of youth? I think I've heard of that concept before. I just can't remember where though," TenTen face was a face of deep thought as she brought a hand to her chin, but that look disappeared as soon as we noticed that the crowd was moving outside. "Eh, I can remember where I heard it later. We've got results to hear guys!"

"Which is making me nervous once again . . ." I hear Hinata mumble to herself as we start moving forward. Apparently, Naruto heard her too because he was at her side in an instant as I watch them from the corner of my eye. He mumbles something into her ear, and whatever he says does the trick as she gives him an appreciative nod, her face looking pretty content as a small blush appeared on her face..

We all make our way out onto the rooftop, the cool air hitting our skin as a couple of attendants guide us over to the southern end of the pool, where a sleek black platform long enough for all 49 of us was set up. An identical platform was set up just a few feet off to the side, parallel to the pool, while a third, much smaller platform stood at the pool's northern end. A red carpet connected our platform to the smaller one, and we all could easily guess who was meant to stand on that platform.

"I can't believe we are about to meet the one and only Tsunade," TenTen is absolutely giddy with excitement as the group around us suddenly bursts into applause. When we all turn our heads to the roof's entrance, we figure out why. "OH MY GOD, IT'S HER!"

The crowd is absolutely awestruck and excited as the host, the founder of the phenomena that is 'You Wanna Be on Top?', finally makes her presence known as she steps out onto the roof. Honestly, Tsunade wasn't the tallest of supermodels at 5'3, but she definitely had the presence of one as she walked over to the smaller platform dressed in a dark green sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline that was probably more expensive than any outfit I have in my closet. She greeted us with a blinding smile, but her eyes were looking at us like an analyst looking over her data, as if she was already gauging our potential by just one look.

"Hello models!" she calls to us, her voice sounding so strong despite her short stature. "Let me just say it is quite the pleasure to meet you all, the Top 49! Give yourselves a round of applause!" We do, giving ourselves one that ends as quickly as it started. "Alright, you had a busy few days with the mutii-round runway and yesterday's photo challenge, which I actually attended as well."

"Wait a minute. Did we just hear her right?" I hear Temari ask as we all looked at each other with faces of shock and disbelief. "But no one spotted her during the party. She was nowhere to be found. How could she have been there, and not be seen?"

"She could have been hiding in plain sight somehow!" Naruto suggests, his voice a little louder than even he expected as all eyes go to him, including Tsunade's.

"That's actually correct Naruto. I was indeed hiding in plain sight . . .. I was actually disguised as one of the freelance photographers assigned to yesterday's party, so I actually took some shots of you guys already!" she tells us, her grin now looking quite mischievous. "Surprise!"

"Huh, I knew that one blonde photographer I saw at yesterday's party looked familiar." I think to myself as my eyes skimmed the crowd. Half looked amazed at Tsunade's revelation, including TenTen and Naruto, while others looked shocked at the news, including Temari and Kankuro. Gaara, Shikamaru, and the Uchiha were the only ones that honestly looked indifferent to the news.

"Okay everyone, all your hard work this week has led you all to this very moment. Kakashi, Yamato, and I spent hours, and I mean hours, debating on who we thought deserved to be in our final group of models, and who would be eliminated. We argued for some, lost our interest in others, but we have made our final decision. There are 49 of you here before me, but only 21 of you have made it through." continues Tsunade as her face goes all serious, all business-like.

"21?" I hear Gaara whisper on my left, his face finally looking as shocked as the rest of us. "They've never gone above 20 in the competition's history!"

"I guess they were really feeling generous this time around." I suggest, my comment only earning me a slight nod from the redhead.

"The first name that I'm going to call, the first to earn their spot in the Top 21, is . . ." she says, pausing for that damn dramatic effect. It's a useful tactic when you want to draw out some tension and drama, but it is so annoying when you're on the receiving end of said news that's paused for dramatic effect. Whoever came up with the idea for dramatic effect, must have been quite the tease as a person. "Hinata!"

"Huh!?" we all hear her say, visibly startled that she got named first. We all clap for her, encouraging her to go forward, but it takes some helpful pushing from Naruto and TenTen to get her to move forward. She bows her head to Tsunade in thanks before moving over to the platform on the side.

"How do you feel about being called first Hinata?"

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, but I am definitely honored to have this opportunity," Hinata quickly answers, her voice slightly shaky as she bows her head again. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, but remember, you got here because you earned it." Tsunade looked at her with a small smile before turning to us with her face all serious again. "The next name I'm going to call is . . . Choji."

Choji happened to be the same guy that was talking with Shikamaru the first day we got here, the same one who had a bag of chips in hand. The chips were long gone, but as he emerges from the crowd, I couldn't help but notice that he was definitely bigger than most models.

"The next name I'm going to call . . . Matsuri."

"THANK YOU!" a brunette from the front row exclaims as she moves to the other platform.

"YOU'RE WELCOME!" was Tsunade's answer right back. "The next name . . . Temari."

"Oh my kami yes . . ."

I notice Gaara and Kankuro chuckle at their sister's reaction to hearing her name be called, the relief evident on her face as she took her spot on the other platform next to Hinata.

"I'll be calling the next three names in quick succession . . . Shikamaru, Kiba, and Sakura."

The pinkette and the boy with the wolfish look to him were both visibly ecstatic at hearing their names being called. Shikamaru looked relieved for a moment, but quickly masked it behind his usual face of indifference. I turned my head to the other platform just to see Temari's reaction on Shikamaru making it through. She did not disappoint, giving the guy a dirty look as he stepped onto the platform.

"Next name . . . Sasuke,"

Sasuke didn't even look remotely excited or indifferent to hearing his name being called. He looked slightly smug, so smug that I think even Tsunade couldn't help but notice it.

"I understand that we have one set of cousins in the Top 49. One has already made it to the Top 21 . . ." says Tsunade, her eyes sneaking a look at Hinata before turning to us. "And the other has made it as well. Neji, come on down, and bring TenTen and Lee with you."

"Of course!" says the Hyuga as TenTen quickly find him in the group and loops her arm around his. As they, along with a teary eyed Lee, walk over to the other platform, I quickly do the math in my head, my eyes widening when I realize that 11 of the 21 spots have now been filled, leaving 10 more spots for the remaining 38 of us. The tension was already palpable when we first came out here. It increased to another level now that so few spots remained.

"Eleven names down, ten more to go . . . The twelfth name I'm going to call, is Naruto."

"Congrats big bro!" I say with a genuine smile, my brother matching mine with his own teeth baring grin. He reaches over and gives me a quick fistbump before moving off to the side to join the others, the sight giving me a sense of great joy as a sister, and the sense of slight dread as a competitor.

"The thirteenth and fourteenth names that I'm going to call . . . are Ino and Karin."

Sakura was glaring at the blonde girl like mad, but Ino paid her no mind as she and Karin, the only other redhead in the competition, joined the safe models on the podium. Something tells me those two are going to get in some heated arguments as the competition went along.

"The fifteenth model that's safe, is Shino," says Tsunade, her eyes going straight to the guy in the oversized, but light-looking hoodie and sunglasses. He silently nods his head, the people in front of him giving him space to move out of the crowd better . . . He was one mysterious dude. "And the sixteenth model that is safe, is Izuka."

"Oh my kami I'm moving on! I'm actually moving on . . !" I practically scream this in my head as I hear my name finally pass her lips. Someone's arm wraps around my shoulders to give me a one armed hug, but it took me a while to realize that it was Gaara who was doing it. I give him an appreciative nod before moving over to the other platform, and into the welcoming arms of my brother and our friends.

"As if they would really dare to separate us Uzumakis." Naruto says this with a goofy grin on his face, but I didn't really focus on that as I finally saw who was left to be chosen, well, if they were lucky enough to be chosen.

Of our little clique of friends, Gaara and Kankuro were the only ones that still remained on the main platform, and I was starting to get a little worried for both of them. What if one made it, but not the other? What if they both didn't make it? If that was the case, they would have to live with the fact that Temari made it and they didn't . . .

. . . Honestly, Temari did seem to be the kind of person to rub it in just a little, and I guess the competition wouldn't be the same without either of the brothers, especially Gaara. Oh Gaara . . .

"Sixteen names down. Five names to go," and the countdown has been spoken. We were now getting down to the final stretch. "I already have one insomniac in the Top 21, and I think this competition can handle another, Gaara."

"Oh thank kami he made it!" I say in sweet relief, but as soon as I rethink what I just said, I couldn't help the growing blush forming across my face. Gaara nods his head at both Tsunade and Kankuro before walking over to our platform, his sister instantly greeting him with a hug that I don't think any of us expected from her, especially Gaara. "Congrats Gaara!"

"Thank you Izuka." he manages to say as his sister continues to hug the air right out of him, his face the absolute picture of strain. "I just hope Kankuro has the same result as the rest of us have had."

"Models 18, 19,and 20 are Juugo, Suigetsu, and Sai."

Three guys, a tall orange haired one with tan skin, a white haired one with the sharpest looking teeth I've ever seen, and a raven haired one with skin so pale it almost looked gray, walked out from the group to join our group. With them now joining, the competition was now 20 models strong, and there was still one name left to be called. Things were now absolutely dire for the remaining 29. I was glad that I was called earlier, but I don't think anyone with me on the Top 21's platform would disagree with me saying that being the last one called from such a large group must be the most heart-wrenching and bittersweet feeling in the world.

"There are 29 models left before me, but I only have one name left to call," says Tsunade, her eyes going to each model that still stood before her. Pretty much half of the remaining 29 were either wearing pleading looks on their faces, hoping that Tsunade would call their name, or were in straight up tears. The rest managed to keep a straight face. Kankuro was one of them, but one look at his eyes told me that he may actually break down if his name didn't end up getting called after all.

"One of you will be joining these 20 models off to my right, and the remaining 28 of you will be going home, tonight . . . The model who will complete this season's Top 21 is . . . someone who has an interest in puppets, Kankuro."

Kankuro instantly crouched down to the ground, covering his face with his hands as he digested the fact that he was the final person called. Within a minute, he was back up, telling Tsunade his thanks as he fought back tears, and making his way over to his siblings' awaiting arms.

"To the 28 of you that stand before me, I am sorry, but your journey on 'You Wanna Be on Top?' has come to an end. Please, do not let what happened tonight deter you from your dreams. I suggest you continue to practice and continue to push, because that will help you in the future, and you shouldn't let tonight's stumbling block be the end of your modelling careers," Tsunade is quick to advise as she makes her way to the dejected 28, some already balling their eyes out at their newfound misfortune. "All of you have potential to make it in the modelling industry, but tonight it is time for you all to pack up your belongings and go home. I wish you all well."

"Damn . . . that could have been us if any of our names weren't called . . ." I say as the eliminated models made their way back inside.

"It could have, but lucky for us, Tsunade and the other judges saw something in us that compelled them to let us stay," I hear Gaara say as he turns to me, putting him in position to receive a well earned hug from me. "Uh . . . what was the hug for?" he asks, blushing as I finally let him go.

"What? You gave me one when my name was called. I was just returning the favor," I say as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "You didn't mind it, did you?"

"No, nope . . . I didn't mind it. I didn't mind it one bit." he's quick to say, the blush still there on his face. He was about so say something else, but I stop him with a finger to the lips when I see Tsunade approaching us.

"I know this has been a stressful night for you all, but through your hard work, you have all earned your spots in the Top 21. What you will experience from this point onward is not for the faint of heart, so you need to be at your best throughout your time in this competition," she now advises us as a smile starts to stretch across her face. "But for now, it is best for you all to rest up tonight for what lies ahead. Congratulations, you are the official Top 21 of this season of 'You Wanna Be on Top?'"

A/N: Finally, we have got our Top 21, but I bet it was no surprise on who would actually make the cut. More challenges and obstacles lie in wait for our motley crew. So stay tuned and please review!