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 as this year's batch."

The silver haired creative director looked up from his book to see his brown-haired friend looking out the window at the full moon above, a small smile stretched across his face as he lounged about in his chair.

"They definitely are a unique batch when you really think about it," Kakashi conceded as he turned a page. "Unfortunately, we both know that not all of them are going to make it to the next round . . . We have to kick some of these prospects out."

"Must you be so blunt Kakashi?"

"We're going to have to crush a few dreams tonight Yamato. It's part of the job after all. . . You do understand that, don't you?"

"Oh, I understand very well Kakashi. After all, I've been doing this for years, just like you have," Yamato countered, turning away from the window. "And again, must you be so blunt about it?"

"If I wasn't so blunt, I wouldn't be me, now would I?" Kakashi asked, his book now forgotten. "You don't survive being in the fashion industry as long as I have without being a little straightforward after all . . . Besides, I don't mean to be rude or demeaning when I talk sometimes. I'm just helping these models grow a backbone, one many of them will surely be needing."

"Okay, that's fair. . ." Yamato conceded, lacking an argument for that one. "The fashion industry isn't the easiest place to navigate after all."

"It's honestly a land of pain and heartbreak, but if you can survive it all, then you know you've made it to the big time," Kakashi added, smirking underneath his mask. "Hmm, we have our roles, but just be glad that you don't have to be the bearer of bad news tomorrow night."

"Of course, he doesn't have to worry Kakashi. Being the bearer of bad news is my job!"

At the sound of her voice, Kakashi and Yamato both turned to see a stylishly dressed 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 décolletage. 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 Supermodel.

"Tsunade, it's so nice of you to finally join us!" Yamato exclaimed as he greeted her with a hug and a kiss to the cheek. Kakashi simply waved at her as she took a seat on the couch across from theirs. "So, how did your little mission go?"

"Going undercover as a freelance photographer is pretty fun," said Tsunade, her mouth stretching into a grin. "It was great to see how the models would perform so up close and personal . . . Some of them really stepped up to the plate today, but unfortunately, there were others that really failed to deliver the goods."

"Sounds like we got a mixed bag this year . . . So, shall we start the judging then?" Kakashi asked as he gestured to the coffee table, where photos of the models from today's challenge were strewn all across the glass surface. "First things first though, how many people are we letting into the finals this time around hmm?"

"Originally, I wanted 20 to move on to the house," said Tsunade, her expression wistful. "But this year's batch of models are so diverse, so amazingly different, that it's inspiring me to be a little generous this year . . ."

"How generous are we talking about here?" Yamato dared to ask. Usually the number of finalists was decided weeks ahead of the competition, so it was rare to hear Tsunade alter such plans in the midst of competition.

"Hmm, maybe one more person, give or take," Tsunade admitted, turning to see Kakashi's expression. He did not disappoint. "Penny for your thoughts Kakashi?"

"You just said that you are feeling a little generous, which means that even though you may allow a 21st entry, then again, you may not. . . Am I right?"

"Way to find a way to damper good news as soon as you hear it, AGAIN!" Yamato exclaimed, shaking his head at the masked man's antics. "How do you live with yourself with such an attitude?"

"Hey! One of us had to be the realist in the group, and I don't mind being that person," Kakashi admitted, smirking underneath his mask. "So, Tsunade, back to my earlier question. Was I right, or was I wrong?"

Tsunade could only smile back in return, her eyes betraying no emotion besides her amusement.

"Hmm, I thought so," Kakashi answered, shaking his head in acceptance. "Anyway, let's get this judging started. It's time we finally started weeding out the weak from the strong."

"Okay, but just to let you know, we started today with 50 models competing for 20, possibly 21, spots, but the number is now down to 49 due to one model's behavior during the party," Tsunade explained as she looked down at the photos, picking out one photo in particular. "She's no longer in the running because she decided to slap a girl, right in her face."

"And another one bites the dust," Yamato sighed as Tsunade crumpled up the photo and threw it in the trash. "Models getting themselves eliminated outside of the usual cuts in the semifinals has become a growing trend in recent years. What was the number last year again? Three?"

"Five; we had two fights break out last year . . . Thankfully they didn't destroy any of the hotel property as they were fighting," Kakashi answered, shaking his head. "As for the fifth person, the less said of her peeping tom antics, the better."

"Agreed. . ." Tsunade almost growled, irritated by the thought. The person in question seemed like a strong contender when she competed in the preliminaries in Sapporo last year, strong enough to earn herself a spot in the semifinals. Unfortunately, once semifinals week came around, it was obvious that she had a perverted side that had no business in the competition.

A few of her fellow competitors leveled complaints about her, and once a more thorough search of her past was done, she was quickly sent packing. Tsunade made sure to tighten the background check procedures for future competitions after that.

That, and she made sure to use her clout in the industry to make sure that the girl didn't even have a sniff in it from that day forward. "Let's just start the debate already! Have any of the models truly proven themselves to you yet?"

"Okay, I'll admit it. One of my top picks has got to be that Sasuke kid," said Kakashi as he picked up one of the Uchiha's photos. "He has a strong look, good skin, and his eyes are striking. You can see the intensity in them a mile away . . . His hair is the one thing I have issues with. Like seriously? What kind of hairstyle is that?!"

"His hair is definitely unique, but I think a good haircut come makeover week will do him some good, well, if he makes it that far. . . He probably will, all things considered," Yamato begrudgingly admitted, his reaction making both Kakashi and Tsunade smile slightly. "Sasuke has all the makings to be a fine model, but my issue with him is his attitude. He has a bit of an arrogant side to him that could easily rub clients the wrong way if he's not too careful."

"I'm sure Sasuke is capable of adjusting his attitude when he's meeting with the clients," Kakashi said in the man's defense. "Though, I'll admit, Sasuke doesn't look like a person who can adjust to things easily. When it comes to people like him, once they're set in their ways, it's hard for them to break out of them."

"When you're a model, one of the main things you need is a personality that is welcoming and personable, and I'm not entirely convinced that Sasuke is capable of it," Yamato freely admitted. "However, if he can prove that he can change, and change quickly, then consider him as a contender that can make it to the very end."

"I can see where you're coming from with this Yamato," said Tsunade. "I'll admit. I was eager to see some models more than others at the party, and Sasuke was one of those models. . . He takes great photos, don't get me wrong! The camera absolutely loves him, but when the camera's off him, he can be a bit standoffish . . . But I am willing to give him a chance if you guys are."

"Ah, it's nice to start things off with everyone in agreement," Kakashi mused, smiling with his eyes as he leaned back in his seat. "I'm sure Sasuke will change his behavior as this competition moves forward. It just depends on the right situation to push him on the right path."

"It'll likely be one that involves meeting with real life clients. . . Interacting with some of fashion's zaniest personalities could be the remedy that Sasuke needs. Well, if he makes it that far," Tsunade pointed out as she put Sasuke's photo aside. "Let's move on to the next model, well models, actually. I'm very interested in Hinata and Neji Hyuga. What do you two think of them?"

"For starters, their eyes are absolutely amazing!" Yamato crowed, Kakashi and Tsunade both nodding in agreement. "I think Neji can do great things in this competition. I don't have many complaints with him . . . Hinata, she looks like a porcelain doll come to life. Clients would love her for shows, for campaigns, for runway. She has the potential to be a top all around model!"

"But?" Kakashi asked, knowing that it was coming.

"But, my one problem with her is that she does seem a bit shy in person," Yamato mumbled. "Her confidence could use a boost. Besides that one little critique, she, and her cousin, both have my vote."

"Neji has that serious stoicism. He has that air of nobility that could really work with clients that are all about elegance and grace in their clothing. Hinata, she's cute at first glance, but I think she can grow to become quite the chameleon in this industry. She just needs the training, and we can certainly give it to her," Tsunade added, Kakashi nodding in agreement. "The Hyuga cousins are not the only relatives we have in the competition this year, right? There's more, correct?"

"That's right. We also have twins from the Tokyo area, and then we have the three kids of Fukuoka's mayor," Kakashi reminded them as he took up five photos of the models in question. "Do you two honestly think we'll have space for all five of them?"

"If they prove to have the right stuff, then I can certainly see them in the next round. Let's start with the Sabakuno trio, shall we?" Tsunade asked, taking hold of their photos. "Wow . . . Please tell me that I'm not the only one amazed at the genetics of this family?! Like seriously, 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 between them, but they're very subtle." Yamato mused. "It's most notable with the eyes and how they're shaped. Maybe something there with their noses too?"

"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 that Tsunade was holding. "His green eyes just pull you in, and they're a shade that's very rare to find in this industry. His red hair would be a different look for fashion too, especially on the runway because he does have a pretty decent walk. One of the better ones on the men's side, if I'm being honest."

"But, how do you think clients will react when they see his insomnia rings and the tattoo on his forehead?" Tsunade asked, curious rather than dismissive. "Those aren't common looks you see in this industry either."

"Well Tsunade, makeup is a good way to cover up the tattoo if the clients do not want to see it. There's also photo editing and tattoo removal, but the latter is up to Gaara's discretion of course," Kakashi pointed out. "As for the insomnia rings, he appears to be a very chronic, but able minded insomniac. The rings can't be helped. . . They do help give him an edgy vibe though."

"Edgier designers and clients would love him," Yamato added. "More commercial clients, well, I'm not so sure."

"During makeover week, we don't just have the hair redone. 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," Tsunade mumbled, a contemplative look crossing her face. "If we allow Gaara to go through, or Izuka because she also has insomnia on the same level as his, this would be the first time in 'You Wanna Be on Top?' history that we would call in a sleep specialist."

"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 both strong competitors, and their insomnia hasn't stopped them so far. . . However, I don't think it would hurt to, at the very least, lessen the appearance of their insomnia rings."

"A dermatologist can help with that, but I think they make it work for themselves. It sets them apart from the rest of the competition, and at this point, I think their eyes make them each other's most direct competition," Tsunade admitted as she looked over the table. "Okay, on to Gaara's other siblings . . ."

The three judges launched themselves into their debate, working into the night as they debated over model after model. After a lengthy talk, and a few drinks here and there, the decisions were finally made, just as the clock struck one in the morning.

"Boys, I think we got our models," Tsunade announced, an empty martini glass perched by her side. "The new season of You Wanna Be on Top? is officially a go!"

"This year is going to be fun!" Yamato agreed, a little inebriated after having one too many cups of sake. "What about you Kakashi?"

"We're definitely in for one hell of a competition," Kakashi admitted, shaking his head. "I wish all the models the best of luck . . . To the victor go the spoils, and for the losers, well, better luck next year."


Y ~ W ~ B ~ O ~ T

The next night (Back to Izuka's POV)

T minus 10 minutes till judgement time.

It was the lone thought that came to my head as I looked up at the elevator clock. It was 7:50, which meant ten minutes separated us from the fateful announcement that we were all waiting for, and dreading.

Add the fact that they always change the number of finalists each year, and it leads to the announcement being that much more unpredictable, suspenseful, and that much more worrisome for us meager semifinalists to go through.

I'm almost shaking in my four-inch wedges.

"I'm trying not to feel nervous, but it's a battle that I'm definitely losing," I mumble as the elevator finally stops at our intended floor. As soon as the doors slid open, a loud hum of voices greeted us from somewhere down the hall. Judging from how loud it was, we were definitely some of the last to arrive. "Is anyone else as nervous as me or is it just me overreacting?!"

"Trust me, you're not the only one Izuka," TenTen answers as we step out from the elevator. "Look at me! I'm trying to not erratically rock back and forth over here, and poor Hinata is trying to stop herself from twiddling her thumbs . . . She's failing by the way."

"I can't help myself!" Hinata's voice was almost trembling at the end. Turning my head, I see that she wasn't looking much better, almost shaking like a leaf hanging on a branch in a windstorm. "When I'm nervous, I mess with my hands! It's a tic I've had since I was little, and as you can see, I have not been successful in stopping it."

"Take some deep breaths Hinata. That always helps." I say, giving 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 see that Temari was effectively practicing what she was preaching. She looked as cool as a cucumber, which is something that I can't say for the rest of us. . . Her calm demeanor was almost making me jealous.

"Well, with your background, I guess you not being nervous shouldn't be too much of a surprise," I say as I crossed my arms. "As the daughter of a mayor, you must have been in much more pressure-filled situations than this one."

"You got that right Izuka," she exclaims as she starts walking ahead of us. "Being a politician's child means having to face situations that can not only reflect on you, but the others connected to you as well. . . It was either toughen up or embarrass yourself in front of the public. I ended up choosing the former."

"Well, talk about a trial by fire," TenTen mumbles, sarcasm lacing her tone as she follows after Temari, leaving Hinata and I to bring up the rear. "But I don't think you're being entirely honest with the rest of us here. You're nervous, just like the rest of us. You're just hiding it better!"

"Hiding her nerves has always been one of Temari's specialties. . ."

Our eyes moved to where the voice came from, finding Kankuro and Gaara standing just ahead of us as we rounded the corner. Kankuro was dressed in a blue button-down shirt, black slacks, and dress shoes, and Gaara was dressed in an outfit similar to his. The only difference was that he was wearing his leather jacket again, which I had no complaints about.

"Look, I'll admit it! Temari has one hell of a poker face, but her look can't compare to Gaara's own!" Kankuro happily exclaims as he slaps his sibling right in the back, earning him a small scowl from the redhead. "Gaara here is the king of the poker face!"

"Hmm, there is a Lady Gaga reference to be made here, but I think I'll save it for later," I say as I look ahead. The hallway leading out to the rooftop was crammed with our fellow competitors, which makes me wonder how long these people were up here. "So, I'm guessing we're not allowed on the roof until the clock strikes eight huh?"

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

"Are you serious Kankuro?" Hinata asks. "Lee's been up here for that long? That's two and a half hours!"

"He's either that dedicated, or he just couldn't stand his roommates anymore and decided to cut his losses up here."

"More like his roommates couldn't stand him anymore Temari," Says my brother as he emerged from the depths of the crowd. "Turns out his roommates kicked him out because he couldn't stop talking about the 'Spirit of Youth', or something like that."

"Spirit of youth? I think I've heard of that concept before . . . I just can't remember where though," TenTen's face was the picture of deep thought, but it soon disappeared once the crowd started moving outside. "Eh, I can remember where I heard it later. It's showtime guys!"

"And now I'm nervous again . . ." I hear Hinata mumble as we start moving forward. Apparently, Naruto heard her too because he was at her side in an instant, mumbling something into her ear. Whatever he said seemingly did the trick, because Hinata brightens up as soon as he pulls away, giving him an appreciative nod as a small blush appears on her face.

As soon as we step out onto the roof, the cool air hits 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 and waiting. An identical platform was set up just a few feet off to the side, parallel to the pool, and a third, much smaller platform stood at the pool's northern end. A clear runway crossed the pool to connect all the platforms together.

It wasn't hard to guess who the small platform was for.

"I can't believe we are finally going to meet Tsunade," TenTen whispers, absolutely giddy with joy as the group suddenly bursts into applause. "OH MY GOD, IT'S HER!"

We are in absolute awe as the founder of the phenomena that is You Wanna Be on Top? finally makes her presence known as she steps out onto the roof in all her finery, and honestly, it was about time.

Tsunade wasn't the tallest of supermodels at 5'3, but she definitely had the presence and pedigree of one as she walked over to the smaller platform, waving hello as she went. 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. However, 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 alone.

Consider me intimidated.

"Hello models!" She calls to us, her voice sounding strong despite her short stature. "Let me just say it is quite the pleasure to meet you all! You really worked hard to get here, beating out thousands of applicants to stand before me tonight, as this year's Top 49!"

Without prompting, we give ourselves one that ends as quickly as it started. When you beat out thousands of other possible characters, why not? "Alright, you all had a busy few days. First, there was the multi-round runway, and then you had yesterday's photo challenge, an event which I 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.

"How was she at the party last night, and no one spotted her?!" Ino almost screeched as she brought a hand to her forehead. "No one saw her! She was nowhere to be found! How could you have been there, and not be seen by any of us!?"

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

"What Naruto said was correct, actually. I was indeed hiding in plain sight . . . I went to the party disguised as one of the freelance photographers tasked with taking your photos, and I managed to get a lot of good shots of you!" She explains, her grin looking quite mischievous. "Surprised yet?"

"Huh, I knew that one blonde photographer I saw yesterdaylooked familiar." I think to myself as my eyes scanned the crowd around me.

Half looked amazed after hearing Tsunade's admission, including TenTen and Naruto, while others were shocked into silence, including Temari and Kankuro. Gaara, Shikamaru, and Sasuke were the only ones that honestly looked indifferent to the news.

I guess nothing really surprises them much, or they're just that apathetic to not be affected by such big news.

"Okay everyone, all your hard work has led you to this very moment," Tsunade goes on to say, her face now all business. "Kakashi, Yamato, and I spent hours, and I mean hours, debating on who we thought deserved to be in the finals, and who would be going home. . . We argued for some, lost our interest in others, but we have made our final decision. Tonight, there are 49 of you standing before me, but only 21 of you will move on to the next round."

"21?" I hear Gaara whisper on my left, 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, his head nodding to show that he did hear me through his shock.

"The first member of this year's Top 21 is . . ." she says, pausing for, of course, dramatic effect.

That damn dramatic effect.

It'sa 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 incoming news that could change your entire life. Whoever invented dramatic effect must have been quite the tease in real life.

"Hinata!"

"Huh!?"

She was understandably startled, her eyes widening in shock as she digested the fact that she got named first. We all clap for her, encouraging her to walk forward, but it takes some helpful pushing from Naruto and TenTen to finally get her moving. She bows her head to Tsunade in thanks before moving over to the platform on the side, her hand at her chest like she was catching her breath.

"How do you feel 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 this victory only happened because you worked for it. I expect it to continue." Tsunade advises her with a small smile before turning to face the rest of us again. "The same goes for the 20 other models that will be joining her. . . The next name I'm going to call . . . is Choji."

As he moves from the group, I realize that Choji was 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 emerged from the group, I couldn't help but notice that he was definitely bigger than most of the men. The competition has always had plus sized girls make it into the finals, but a plus sized guy was rare.

Choji was going to have a lot on his shoulders from this point onward.

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

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

"YOU'RE WELCOME!" Tsunade yelled back, matching her enthusiasm with gusto. "The next name . . . Temari!"

"Oh, thank kami!"

Gaara and Kankuro couldn't help but chuckle at their sister's reaction, the relief she felt all too obvious as she took her spot on the other platform next to Hinata, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder as she took her place.

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

The pinkette and the boy with the wolfish look to him were both visibly ecstatic at the news, while Shikamaru looked relieved. It was quick though, and soon enough, indifference was back on his face. Turning my head, I couldn't help but watch Temari to see what her reaction was.

She did not disappoint, giving the guy some subtle side eye as he stepped onto the platform.

"Next name . . . Sasuke!"

The man with the noble blood didn't even look remotely excited, or even indifferent, to hearing his name being called. He actually looked smug, so smug that I think even Tsunade couldn't help but notice.

"I understand that we have a set of cousins in the Top 49. One has already made it into 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!"

Neji nods, just as TenTen finds 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 some math in my head, my eyes widening when I realize that 11 of the 21 spots have now been filled, leaving 10 more 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 it with his own teeth baring grin. He reaches over and gives me a quick one armed hug 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 that has to see their own sibling as their direct competition.

"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 into some heated arguments as the competition goes along. . . I just know it.

"Number fifteen . . . is Shino," Tsunade announces, her eyes going straight to the guy wearing the oversized, but light-looking hoodie and sunglasses. He silently nods before moving, the people in front of him giving him a wide berth . . . He is one mysterious dude. "And the sixteenth model that is safe . . . is Izuka."

"Holy shit I made it!" I 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, sending a tingling sensation down my spine that I wasn't expecting.

Giving him an appreciative nod, I move to the other platform, nodding to Tsunade in thanks before walking into the welcoming arms of my brother and our newfound friends.

"As if they would really dare to separate us Uzumakis." I hear Naruto say, likely with a goofy grin on his face. I would have laughed at such a pun, but I didn't really focus on it as I finally saw who was left to be chosen. . .

. . . Well, if they were lucky enough to be chosen that is.

Of our little clique, 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? How would Temari react if neither of her brothers made it? Would she be sad? Would she be fine with it? Would they be fine with it? They would have to live with the fact that Temari made it and they didn't . . .

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

. . . Okay, I need to focus now.

"Sixteen names down. Five names to go," Great. . . We're now in the final stretch. "I already have one insomniac in the Top 21. . .I think this competition can handle another, Gaara."

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

"Thank you Izuka." He manages to squeak out as his sister continues to hug the air right out of him, his face now visibly strained. "I guess I just have to worry about Kankuro now."

"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 ours. With them now joining us, the competition was now 20 models strong, with one name still left to be called.

Now we're really in the final stretch.

"There are 29 models left before me, but I only have one name left to call," Tsunade reminds us, her eyes moving along the lines. Half of the remaining 29 were visibly pleading to Tsunade to call their name or were in straight up tears. The rest managed to keep a straight face, and Kankuro was one of them.

. . . Well, he was valiantly trying.

"The model who will complete this season's Top 21 is . . . Kankuro."

Kankuro immediately crouches down, covering his face as he digests his good news. Within a minute, he was standing back up and telling Tsunade his thanks as he made his way over to his siblings' awaiting arms, tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

"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. Continue to practice! Keep pushing, because stagnation won't help you get far. You shouldn't let tonight's stumbling block be the end of your modelling careers," Tsunade is quick to advise them as she makes her way to the dejected 28, some already balling their eyes out at their newfound misfortune.

"All of you have the potential to make it in the modelling world, but tonight, it is time for you all to pack 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 mumbled as Tsunade started giving away goodbye hugs, while some of the other models made their way back inside.

"It could have, but lucky for us, Tsunade and the other judges saw something in each of us that compelled them to let us stay," I hear Gaara say. I turn, putting myself in a position to give him a hug.

"Uh, although this is nice, what's the hug for?" he asks, visibly blushing as I finally let him go.

Hmm, seems like I have an effect on him just as much as he has an effect on me.

"What? You gave me one when my name was called. I'm just returning the favor," I say in return. "You didn't mind it, right?"

"No, nope! I didn't mind it. Not one bit!" He's quick to say, the blush still present on his face. He was about to say something else, but the sight of Tsunade approaching us stopped him in his tracks.

"I know this has been a stressful night for you all, but through your hard work and perseverance, you have all earned your spots in the Top 21. . . What you will experience from this point forward is not for the faint of heart, so you need to be at your best throughout this competition," She advises us as a smile starts to stretch across her face. "But for now, I suggest you celebrate and get some rest! One door just closed, and another has opened. To the Top 21!"

"TOP 21!" We all yell, cheering our luck. Tonight, was indeed a night of celebration, but tomorrow is when the competition really gets started.

After all, only one of us can win it all.


A/N: Finally, we have our Top 21, but I bet it was no surprise on who would actually make the cut, right? Anyway, leave a comment if you like!

Here's a recap of the Top 21 call out order.

Hinata

Choji

Matsuri

Temari

Shikamaru

Kiba

Sakura

Sasuke

Neji

TenTen

Lee

Naruto

Ino

Karin

Shino

Izuka

Gaara

Juugo

Suigetsu

Sai

Kankuro