Chapter 15 - Silence Is Golden

". . . Two of you will be going home."

I didn't have enough time to comprehend what he just said when someone voiced their thoughts, well, in rather stark terms.

That someone being Kiba.

"ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!"

For his part, Kakashi didn't look the least bit fazed by the outburst. No one could truly see what his actual expression was thanks to the mask he always wears, but from how the corners of his eyes were crinkling in amusement, my best guess was that he was smiling.

. . . Or smirking now that I think about it. The thought of Kakashi with a big goofy grin on his face just didn't seem right to me, at all.

"Look, I understand that the news of an impending double elimination is something that you all weren't expecting so soon in this game. I understand that you're frustrated," Kakashi concedes as he holds his hands up in mock surrender. "But you have to remember that the modelling world isa cutthroat business. One that doesn't forgive so easily."

"In this industry, you can book a gig one moment, and get cut from that same job for whatever reason five minutes later. When you're a model, your job is not entirely safe. Landing a gig is one thing, but maintaining it is a whole other task."

"And people say modelling is easy. . ." The sarcasm in Sasuke's voice was unmistakable as he spoke on my left.

"Guys, remember, this competition simulates real-life scenarios you'll be facing when you start working out in the real world," Kakashi adds, locking eyes with each and every one of us. "The more prepared you are, the better off you'll be, so I suggest you all grin and bear it. . . After all, it only gets harder from here."

"When he puts it that way, he makes a good point." I hear Neji mumble from somewhere on my right, sounding somewhat accepting of the man's words.

"We know that . . ." Kankuro soon grumbles, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Kakashi's being truthful with us, and it's good to hear such honesty, but that doesn't mean we have to actually like it."

"I'm guessing you were one of those people that thought this would be easy Kankuro?" I hear Lee ask, sounding amused.

"No comment."

"Before we continue, I would like for you all to meet today's photographer. . . Though she has only started doing photography professionally within the past year, she has quickly made a name for herself in the industry, having already done assignments for publications like Vogue Japan and Elle Korea."

"Damn, she's done such major gigs this early in her career?" Sakura could be heard saying just off to my right. "She must be talented."

"She is quite talented indeed, Sakura. In fact, some of you have already met her," Kakashi goes on to say, just as the woman in question finally emerged from the building. "I'm sure some of you guys remember Shizune right?"

"Hi guys!" Shizune called out to us as she reached Kakashi's side. For once, her hair was down, barely reaching past her chin. She was dressed in a blue, bell-sleeved top, with leather shorts that reached mid-thigh and black ankle boots, a nice riff on the hard-and-soft trend that the magazines like to preach about.

"It's nice to see you all together," She gushes as she gestures our way. "I know you all usually see me at Tsunade's side acting as her right-hand gal, but everyone has to have their side projects, and fashion photography happens to be mine!"

"I'm really looking forward to working with you guys today," She adds, smirking almost conspiratorially with Kakashi. "Oh, and just to let you know, I won't be giving you any advice during your shoot either, so don't look to me for any guidance."

". . . Now that you've been given the gist of your assignment, let's get you inside to hair and makeup."

They led us into the building, which looked a whole lot larger inside than it did outside, and while Shizune broke off to head through a doorway that likely led to the set, Kakashi led us up a spiraling, wrought iron staircase to the second floor.

We were led to the floor's largest room, where makeup tables were lined up along one wall while the hair care stations lined the opposite one. Each station was manned by a person dressed in an identical black shirt, all of them watching us with eager grins and amused expressions.

Just behind the last station was a large black and white striped curtain that was opened halfway, giving us a glimpse of the racks of designer clothing and shoes that we would end up wearing. More workers, dressed more colorfully than their counterparts, were moving around the racks, making sure everything was in order to the tiniest detail.

"Alright, before I leave you all to get glammed up, I have to introduce you all to a couple of familiar faces who will be overseeing your looks for today, and the foreseeable future."

As Kakashi was speaking, said familiar faces stepped forward. The first was dressed in all black, complete with a bandana that held most of his hair back save for a large chunk of brown hair that covered most of his face's right side, obscuring his eye completely.

The second man had spiky black hair with a matching goatee and was dressed in a simple white shirt, a brown leather vest, and matching brown pants. For whatever reason, he had a white strip of fabric tied around the middle of his face, straight across the bridge of his nose.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce to you all Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki," Kakashi says as he gestures to the two men. "Kotetsu is our head stylist and Izumo here is our expert in hair and makeup. Together, these two fine gentlemen will be taking care of your appearances throughout this competition."

"Except when it comes to the elimination rounds of course," Kotetsu quickly added. "Us and our teams are looking forward to working with you guys over the course of the next few months. Don't worry, you are in good hands with us!"

"Now, before we begin, we need to decide who goes to which side of the room first," says Izumo as he took a coin out of his pocket. "If this coin lands on heads, the girls will go to makeup first and the boys will go to hair. If it lands on tails, the boys head for makeup and the girls go to hair. Are we clear?"

We answered with a resounding "YES!" and after a quick coin flip, he looked up with a smirk as the coin laid flat in his right hand. "It's tails. Boys to makeup! Girls, to hair!"

"I can already see some of the men grimacing, but don't worry. Today, we're starting you guys off easy with minimal makeup," Kotetsu announces, though his reassuring gaze soon turned into one that was one of warning. "Going forward, I don't want to see anymore grimacing though! I don't want to hear any complaining either! You're going to be put through a lot of looks if you're going to continue with this career path, so you better get used to it!"

"Is anyone else feeling as nervous as I am?"

"Hinata, we're all nervous," TenTen was quick to say as Kakashi made a rather hasty looking exit. "As long as you remember to stay focused on what you're doing, there shouldn't be any problems. . . So, what do you girls think the photoshoot's theme is anyway?"

"You mean, besides absolute silence?" Temari mumbles, sneaking a look at the clothes in the back. "I don't know. There's a definite daytime feel coming from the clothes."

"Well, our runway challenge had a nightlife theme," I say as my stylist, a short man with chin-length red hair, started combing his fingers through my locks. "Maybe today's Opposite Day."

"That makes sense," TenTen concedes as her stylist takes her buns out of their shape. "Out of all the boys, who do you think we'll have it worse at the makeup tables?"

"I can tell you who'll have the easiest time with it: Kankuro," says Temari, a knowing smirk dotting her face. "You should see him when he does one of his puppet shows. . . He goes all out with his face paint, and some of his designs can get really ridiculous."

"I heard that sis!"

"Good!" Temari yells right back, grinning from ear to ear. ". . . And don't try to deny it anyway. You know it to be true."

"She's right Kankuro, and if you try to say otherwise, I will not hesitate to pull out the pictures!"

"You have pictures?"

"I brought them with me, Naruto . . . Never know when you need them for a good laugh."

"YOU WOULDN'T DARE GAARA!"

"Maybe not, but Temari certainly would . . . Wouldn't you sis?"

"Damn straight!"

The exchange between the siblings caused pretty much everyone within hearing range to break into a giggle fit, but it didn't deter the stylists' work though.

By the time I was sent to wardrobe, my hair was tied into a braided ponytail, wrapped in white paper so that no strand came undone from it. A pale shade of pink lipstick, foundation, and blush was all that I was given in terms of makeup.

As for my outfit, it definitely went with the daytime feel I theorized earlier. I was given a sapphire blue shirtwaist dress with dark blue buttons, silver wedge heels, and a slim silver bracelet to wear, and thankfully, it all fit, even the shoes.

I probably won't be as lucky in the future.

"Aw man! How am I going to make this dress work?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at TenTen, who was busy critiquing the pink drop-waist dress with black flats she was assigned to wear. Her hair was in the same kind of ponytail that me and all the other girls had ours styled in, a hint of unity despite the different looks.

"You'll make it work. Sure, the drop-waist isn't a style that works on every body type, but I'm sure you'll make it fierce, somehow," I mumble as we waited by the exit for someone to lead us down to the set. "Besides, we're not here to criticize the outfits. We're here to make them, and ourselves, look good . . . If you can't do that, then you're just not doing your job."

"Well, that was rather blunt of you to say. . . Don't get me wrong, I needed to hear that. But damn, that was harsh!"

"Sometimes it's just best to tell it like it is," I say, taking in a deep breath. "But still, you need to calm down about the dress. You've been griping about it ever since you put it on, and no one likes a complainer."

"I have not," She tells me with a childlike pout. "I've only been doing it when the attendants and workers are out of hearing range."

"Don't want the negativity coming your way huh?"

"Exactly Izzy!" She says, her eyes going from side to side to make sure that no one overheard us. "These people love to gossip, and their words tend to get back to the judges. . ."

"Say no more! I understand." I say, not really wanting to argue against her point. "And when did you start calling me Izzy?"

"Well, Naruto has called you Izzy a few times already, so I figured why not?" She tells me, grinning from ear to ear. "Do you mind?"

"Well, no, not really, and speaking of Naruto. . ." I mumble as he walks into the room, followed close behind by Juugo, Matsuri, and Lee.

They were the second group to go down for their photoshoot, having left the room about an hour ago. None of them looked too sure about themselves, but Naruto still had that trademark smile of his on his face, albeit a smaller one. "How did it go?"

"It went as well as you would expect," He tells us as he and Lee came to a stop while Matsuri and Jugo continued to walk ahead. "It's not just Kakashi and Shizune that stay quiet for the shoot. Everyone in the room is so silent that you can hear a pin drop."

"You're really gonna have to pay attention to their facial expressions if you want to be clued in to how well you're doing." Lee further adds for our benefit. "They're stone-faced for the most part, but sometimes they'll give away a hint. . . You just need a keen eye to spot it."

"That's almost the same thing Shikamaru said after his group went down," TenTen reminds me, her words making me recall what he had said to the rest of us earlier.

"Yeah, the silence is troublesome, and they stay blank face for the entire thing, but if you look for the facial tics - the slight upturn of the mouth, a crinkling of the eye - it can give you a hint on what they think of your performance."

"It sounds like you really took his advice to heart then Lee," I say, and he grins with a knowing smirk.

"Hey! If the advice sounds good, I'm taking it to heart." He tells us, almost enthusiastically shouting his words. . .

. . . And then I turned to my brother. "Did you follow Shikamaru's advice Naruto?"

"Uh, to be honest, not as much as I should have," He admits, shaking his head just as Sai and Kiba made their way toward us. "Well, I better go change. Good luck guys!"

"See you later!" I say, sending them off with a wave. "Are you ready, TenTen?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. . . I may not know Shikamaru well, and he may appear as a lazy ass, but he has a kind of brain power that I feel I can trust, and that's something I appreciate." She tells me with conviction before turning to Sai and Kiba. "Are you guys ready for this?"

"I was born ready!" Kiba exclaims with a wolfish grin, showing off his pointed canines.

Okay, if anyone has to have a dog as their spirit animal, it's got to be Kiba. His whole look just screamed canine!

On the other hand, Sai simply gave us a silent nod, a stark contrast to Kiba's naturally boisterous attitude.

"Hello boys and girls!" calls Kakashi, suddenly appearing from out of nowhere. "I see you four are ready to go, so let's get moving!"

"Uhm, are you just as unsettled with Sai as I am?" TenTen's breath suddenly tickles my ear as she whispers my way, keeping her voice so low that I doubt the three men slightly ahead of us even heard her.

"I think it's his overall presence," I say as we create some space between ourselves and the others. "It feels like he's not really there . . . Is that weird to say?"

"He doesn't seem to have much of a personality, or at least, one that's somewhat relatable," TenTen mumbles. "He kinda reminds me of a living porcelain doll. Pretty, pale, but very empty on the inside."

"Okay, that last part was a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"Hey! I'm just telling it like it is."

I couldn't help the frown on my face at TenTen's remark, but I had to begrudgingly admit that she was making a good point, again.

Sai was indeed good looking. Though he was one of the palest people in this competition, he was classically beautiful, but his personality, well, isn't the best. He's silent most of the time, and when he does speak, the atmosphere in the room either becomes really embarrassing, or plain awkward.

After getting down the stairs, Kakashi led us to a set that held two key features: sky-blue wallpaper that served as the background, and a set of large, multi-colored blocks strewn across the floor. Shizune and the rest of the set crew were strewn across the room. silently fiddling with the equipment to make sure everything was still in order.

"Okay you four, for this shoot, despite it looking a little scarce, we want you to just feel the environment and work with what's around you. Don't fight it," Kakashi advises, the only piece of advice we'd ever get. "Am I clear?"

"Crystal!" TenTen exclaims, while the rest of us just shook our heads, though Kiba did offer him a thumbs up.

"Okay, to see who goes first, you four will be picking straws. Shortest straw wins."

As soon as he held up the four straws, Sai was the first one to snatch one up, followed by me, Kiba, and then finally TenTen, who didn't bother to move for one until Kakashi handed the last one to her. When we compared them, lucky me ended up with the shortest one.

TenTen, somehow, ended up with the longest one.

"How in the world did you end up with that one?!" Kiba asked, waving his straw in shock. "You didn't even move for yours!"

"The luck of the draw was simply on my side," She says with a grin as she finally notices Kiba's straw. "And should you really be complaining?! You have the second longest straw. You go third!"

"Guys, if anyone should have a complaint over the straws, it's Izuka," Kakashi points out as he turns his eyes on me. "She picked the shortest straw after all . . . Anyway, you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," I concede, holding the nerves at bay.

"Now that's the spirit!" Kakashi cheers. "Izuka, follow me. The rest of you can take a seat over in those chairs just off to the side."

Taking his outstretched hand in mine, he guides me to the blocks, gently pushing me to sit on one of the gray ones before moving to stand beside Shizune, who already had her camera in hand. The stylist on set was quick to do some final touch ups on my makeup before removing the wrapping paper from my braid, delicately letting it fall over my left shoulder before moving off set.

"Like I said before, work with your environment. Don't fight against it!" I heard Kakashi say as I tried to relax, taking deep breaths as I went. "Is there anything you want to say to Izuka before we start Shizune?"

"Go with the flow, and don't think too much. . . Now let's start the show."

Shizune was quick to start snapping my photo, taking her first shot before I even knew what hit me. Keeping their advice in mind, I settled down and relaxed into an opening pose, slouching forward slightly while keeping my face relaxed. I stayed in this position for a couple of frames, slightly changing my expression through each frame while moving my body just a bit for each one I took.

I found myself getting more relaxed as time went on - even though the silence was still a little unsettling - and I soon felt comfortable enough to try my hand at interacting with some of the blocks. I stood on one for a few frames, leaned forward on another, just to make sure that my outfit was shown in some of the frames. I even ended up kneeling and lying on the floor for some of my shots . . .

. . . Hey, they can't say that I didn't try my hardest to move, now can they?

"Alright Izuka, you're done!"

"Huh?" I ask, instantly finding Kakashi sitting in a seat by the monitor displaying all the photos that were taken. "I'm done already?"

"That's right! You may now leave the set." he tells me, his eyes betraying no emotions as he turned to the others. "Sai, it's your turn! Come on over."

Dusting myself off, I stepped off the set just as Sai arrived to take my place. I couldn't help but notice Shizune stoically looking at some of the photos Kakashi was pointing out to her, which only made me feel even more unsure of myself since I still have no idea how well I actually did.

"Okay, now I really have to start thinking of you more as competition," TenTen is quick to say as I take the seat next to her.

"You really think so?"

"Sure do! You have moves, girl!" She cheekily admits. "You were moving left and right, and up and down. . . I was getting fidgety just watching you."

"I don't know; just because I moved a lot doesn't mean I took a good photo," I say as I crossed my arms. "Now that I think about it, I didn't even take notice of any reactions or ticks Kakashi and Shizune may have had . . . I wasn't thinking about that at all. I just zoned out."

"You were in the moment," She helpfully clarifies as Kiba dutifully watched Sai's shoot. "And I think you did a respectable job. Like seriously, I think I saw Shizune hold back a couple of smirks . . . Maybe she was pleased with what you did."

"I hope so," I mumbled as I leaned back in my chair. "Still, It's not just her that I'm worried about, or Kakashi for that matter. . ."

"We can't forget the judges." Kiba grumbled absentmindedly, proving that he was listening in to us as his eyes remained glued on Sai's shoot.

Speaking of Sai, I swear he has barely moved since the first shot.

"No," I agree, already dreading our first meeting with them. "With them deciding who stays or who goes, how could we forget?"

A/N: Leave a comment if you like!