Chapter 17 - Evaluation 1
Though the room is tastefully designed to fit with its modern setting, it wasn't enough to counteract the intimidation that was rolling off the figures that awaited us across the room.
Tsunade stood in her familiar position in front of the judges' table, her smile firm, but welcoming as we continued to peer in like a bunch of curious sheep. The people behind her were equally stoic, yet welcoming, but their gazes were calculating, as if they were examining recently exhibited museum pieces more than actual people.
At first, no one dared to make the first fateful step into the judges' domain, each of us waiting for the other to make the jump.
Eventually, someone decided to be brave and take the leap . . . That someone being Naruto. Though it was a bit tepid, even for my usually boisterous brother, it was enough to encourage the rest of us to move, stepping onto the three-level podium placed right in front of the doorway. It gave us all an unobstructed view of the judging panel, with each level long enough to fit seven people evenly, perfect for the Top 21.
By default, as one of the last ones to enter, I ended up standing on the top row.
"Good evening models!" Tsunade greets us with a smile, her eyes looking us all over before continuing. "Welcome to your first judging evaluation . . . The first of many to come."
Yep, things feel a lot more real now. . .
"You all have made it through your first week, and it definitely wasn't an easy one . . ." She continues, her tone taking on a mischievous edge to it. "But of course, this competition was never designed to be simple. What you all went through these past few days is simply a taste of what's to come . . . You can only go up from here."
"Unless you're eliminated tonight, that is . . . but yes, for most of you, this week is just step one, with many more to come."
The voice that spoke was masculine. It was rough with age, but there was a silky edge to it that was reminiscent of a snake's hiss. The judge who spoke was smiling at us from under his long black hair, but it wasn't one of those grins that made you feel all warm and fuzzy.
It was more like one of those smiles meant to keep you on your toes, always.
"Oh Orochimaru, must you always be a blunt pessimist?" Tsunade was quick to ask as she crossed her arms over her chest, partially amused, partially exasperated by the man's words.
"I wouldn't call myself blunt," he says in his defense as he flicks some of his long black hair over his shoulder. "I'd call myself a fairly practical realist."
"Trust me, you're pretty blunt, but then again, every judging panel needs a mean judge, and you fill that role just fine, old friend."
Orochimaru simply shrugged at that, not bothered by the words that the white-haired man's words. Tsunade couldn't help but shake her head at the two, while the fourth judge simply smiled, not bothering to jump in.
As for the rest of us, we just watched them all in silence, some of us appearing more awestruck than others as we awaited the blonde's next words.
"Sorry guys; just a little sidebar between us judges," says Tsunade as she gets back on track. "And speaking of judges, it's time I introduced you all to the rest of the panel."
"As if we don't know most of them already though," I could hear Kiba whisper, but no one called him out on it.
Why call him out when he made such a good point?
"First off, this pale gentleman to my right was first discovered checking out the snake exhibit at his local zoo. Three months later, he was one of the most in-demand models come Fashion Month," Tsunade elaborates as she gestures to her right. "After years of modelling, these days, he's one of Japan's most in-demand designers, as well as one of the few notable couturiers that our great country has to offer. . . Everyone, say hello to one of my oldest friends, Orochimaru."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," He greets us in return after we all chorused a quick 'hello'. "I see we have quite a mix here this season. Lots of different looks, unique styles . . . This should be interesting."
Though it was subtle, I couldn't help but notice that his eyes lingered at one spot a little too long before he turned his gaze to Tsunade. When I looked to see what caught his attention, I ended up looking at Sasuke, who seemed to have not noticed the man's gaze.
Well, Orochimaru is also known for his different tastes just as he was known for his designs.
I guess Sasuke has become his latest interest. . .
. . . There better not be any biased judging as a result though.
"Our second judge is a novelist and an award-winning fashion photographer whose photos have found a place within the pages of many of the world's biggest fashion publications. He has even taken photos of me quite a few times, along with numerous models and celebrities alike," Tsunade continues, quickly gesturing to herself as the judge in question smirked behind her. "Everyone, say hello to my other oldest friend, Jiraiya!"
"Evening models!" He calls with a big grin and a quick salute. "Can't wait to collaborate with you all in the future."
"If they make it that far of course. . ."
"Damn Orochimaru! We're barely into the first judging and your cynicism is already rearing its head!"
"If my honesty comes off as cynicism, then so be it," The designer immediately says in return, his tone challenging as he snuck a glance at the photographer.
"Huh, as you all can see, our resident mean judge is in fine form for you all. . ." Jiraiya playfully huffs as he turns to us. ". . . Brace yourselves!"
"No thanks to you of course," Orochimaru adds, just to add salt to the wound. ". . . The warmup was excellent, as always."
"Don't mention it. . ."
Though the two men looked annoyed with each other, those that have followed their careers closely over the years knew that it was all in the name of a shared sense of humor built through years of knowing each other.
And when I say years of knowing each other, I'm really talking years.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya have known each other since middle school, going from classmates to wizened experts of their chosen professions. With Tsunade joining their little twosome years later, the three became a three-headed driving force in the fashion world, holding such a degree of influence that would make most jealous or intimidated.
I feel a little intimidated just standing in the same room with all three of them together, and I'm sure my fellow contestants - well, some of them - feel the same way.
"And finally, this week's guest judge," Tsunade adds, bringing everyone back into focus. "You've met her before, as she was your photographer for your silent photoshoot. She also happens to be my right-hand lady . . . Say hello, again, to Shizune!"
"Hi models! It's nice to see you all again!" Says the raven-haired woman, even offering a small wave from her seat next to Jiraiya.
It made sense that she was the guest judge this week. The guest judges were usually the ones that were directly involved with the lessons, challenges, and/or photoshoots, so they had a more firsthand account of our progress compared to the other judges. That kind of knowledge made their opinions and critiques unbelievably valuable to the rest of the panel, even being the deciding factor in several decisions.
The guest judge may switch hands a lot, but that position holds a lot of influence.
"So, now that you know the judges, it's now time to learn about the prizes," Tsunade continues, and I'll admit it; it was hard to not perk up a little as soon as she said the p-word.
"The winner of You Wanna Be on Top? will win a year-long modelling contract with Senju Model Management, a cover and five-page spread in Fashion Ninja Magazine, a cash prize of 11,000,000 yen, which roughly equates to $100,000 U.S. dollars, and a two week, all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world, provided by Kaze Travels. . . Now how does that sound?"
To tell you the truth, that all sounded amazing!
Senju Model Management is considered the top modelling agency in Japan, and one of the best in Asia. Not only was it Tsunade's maiden agency, but Senju has a high consistency rate when it came to developing some of the biggest names in fashion, past, present, and future.
Fashion Ninja Magazine is one of the premier fashion magazines on the continent, and getting featured in it, let alone snagging the freaking cover, was monumental for any promising model or up and coming celebrity.
The money would be a real boost to my bank account. It was . . . decent now, but it can always get better, and judging from the looks on my fellow models' faces - even the ones that I knew were more well off than me - I wasn't alone in my sentiments.
As for the chance to vacation at the destination of your choice, that was pretty the cherry on top.
"The announcement of the prizes always seems to get them grinning," Orochimaru points out, all eyes on him once again. ". . . And here I thought they were happy to see us."
"We give them good news and unwelcome news every week, so it's kinda 50-50," Jiraiya said in return.
"And speaking of good and unwelcome news, it's time that we got this judging started."
And with that pronouncement and a quick flick of her hair, Tsunade makes her way around the table to get to the one empty seat available. Once she had taken her place between Jiraiya and Orochimaru, her face became a serious mask, but there was a hint of eagerness in her eyes that didn't go unnoticed.
"Alright, before we really start these evaluations, I have another announcement to make . . . Not all of you will be evaluated tonight."
"HUH?!"
Brother was the only one to vocalize how he felt at this latest piece of news, but it didn't deter the panel in the slightest. In fact, his reaction earned a chuckle out of Jiraiya and Shizune while the rest of us stared at Tsunade with a combination of disbelief, shock, and curiosity on our faces.
"For this year's competition, we have decided to do things a little differently with our judging process," Tsunade goes on to say. "Each week, I will call two groups to be evaluated. One group will be the ones that we deem the best of the week, and the other group will consist of those who are the exact opposite. The number within the two groups can, and may, differ from week to week, but it all depends on how well you performed. Everyone understands that?"
"Those who are not called will be safe for that week. . . Not the best, not the worst, just in the middle," She continues, weaving her fingers together. "Remember though, just because you are safe through a number of weeks doesn't mean that it's an ideal place to stay in as this competition goes forward. . . We are looking for progress. If you don't show us that, you will be cut."
"Consider that your first and only warning," Orochimaru adds for the exclamation point; his stare, unsurprisingly, being much more intimidating than Tsunade's.
Then again, he wasn't the resident mean judge for nothing.
"Do we have an understanding then?" Tsunade asks, smirking when everyone nodded their heads. "Good. . . If you hear your name, please step forward!"
The tension somehow increased tenfold once she said that.
"Lee!"
The man with the bowl cut wasn't shocked to hear his name called, simply nodding his head before stepping forward.
"Sai!"
No emotion appeared on his face as he went forward. At this point, most agree that Sai is some sort of statue come to life.
"Juugo!"
The walking tree of a man stepped forward without a word, though from what I could see, his eyes obviously showed how wary he was of the entire situation.
"Ino!"
She, like Lee, seemed resigned to hearing her name called, stepping forward with her lips scrunched to one side, as if she were trying to not visibly pout in front of the judges.
"Karin!"
Out of the five that got called, Karin looked the most surprised at hearing her name called, glancing around slightly before stepping forward with an unsure look on her face.
Can't blame her though. Tsunade has yet to announce whether the group she was in did the best or worst this week, so she could be in either.
Then again, since Lee and Ino were also called up, and they were both already pegged to be in the lower tier of judging for their failure during the runway challenge, it's more than likely that she, along with the rest of the group, were in trouble this week.
Karin was quick to join the other four on the smaller platform that stood halfway between us and the judges. It was like they were put on display for us to speculate over, while the judges consciously looked at them before starting their critiques.
Jiraiya's poker face has really improved over the past few years, but Orochimaru's is still better.
". . . Karin," Tsunade announces after a long pause, turning her attention to the redhead. "How do you think you did this week?"
"Well . . . I think I did pretty well for myself during the challenge, but I'll admit, I'm a little unsure over my photoshoot."
"I'm sure you're not the only one with that sentiment." Orochimaru pointed out, smirking despite the situation.
"Hmm, the fact that you didn't get any commentary during the shoot . . . I can see where it can mess with your thinking," Jiraiya spoke up, shaking his head. "Did I do good? Did I do bad? Am I in between? Is this pose working for me? What are they thinking . . .? Some of you may have thrived in the silence, but for others, it must have been nerve racking."
"Unfortunately, you, as well as the models beside you, actually have a reason to be worried," Tsunade admits. "After going through all the photos from your shoot and reviewing your challenge performances, you five were deemed the worst performers of the week, and at the end of this evaluation, two of you will be going home."
After hearing that, I felt a little conflicted. On one hand, it was nice to know that I had survived to face another week, but on the other hand, I felt bad for the five that were standing before the judges, especially Lee . . .
. . . He had started to grow on me over the past few days.
"We'll start the proceedings with you, Ino . . . How do you think the last few days went for you?"
"Well, I can safely say that I didn't do well in the challenge, that's for sure."
Well, at least she's owning it.
"What happened during the challenge?" Shizune immediately asks, sitting a bit straighter in her chair.
"It was a very . . . self-made runway challenge if you will. Instead of being prepared for the show by a staff of stylists and makeup artists for the show, our models had to completely buy their looks from the neighboring stores. Shoes, clothes, makeup, the works. . ."
"Sounds like fun," Orochimaru muses with a smirk. "I'm sure they weren't given all day to shop though. Time is money after all."
"They were given one hour to buy what they needed before returning to the changing area. If they came back late, they were disqualified from the challenge," Tsunade added before turning her gaze back on the models before her. "And last time I checked, only 19 of our 21 models made it back in time."
"Judging from the look Ino is giving us, I think it's safe to say that she was one of the two that didn't make it back in time," says Jiraiya, with Ino silently nodding in agreement. "Who was the other latecomer?"
"That would be me." Lee admits, raising his hand. "And for that, I truly apologize for my lack of self-awareness."
"Apology noted . . . I'm sure Yamato and Dan explained why being late is such a bad idea in this industry, but I'll say it again, just so we're clear," says Tsunade, her voice sounding grave. "There's a reason why lateness is considered a cardinal sin in this line of work. . . When you're late, you waste your potential client's time, your reputation takes a hit, your agency's reputation takes a hit, you lose money, you lose a potential opportunity that could boost your career . . . Trust me, there's nothing positive about it, so don't - no, never make it a habit. No business owner likes a constantly late employee, so don't be that employee!"
"Look, as judges, our words can go either way. We will critique and admonish you when the time calls for it, but we're also here to advise and support you as well," Jiraiya further adds, jumping in before Orochimaru had the chance. "Take our words to heart . . . When you join this industry, you must keep your mistakes to a minimum, especially when you're just starting out. This is a fast-moving industry, and one wrong move could see you getting left in the dust very quickly. . . So, stay on point with all the trends, keep up on your fashion knowledge, and if you know you tend to be late to events and appointments, then buy a watch! Not all of them are expensive!"
That last part managed to break up the tension that had enveloped the room, with Suigetsu even letting out a brief snort behind his hand, an obvious sign that he was hiding his laughter.
"Jiraiya, you always knew how to lighten the mood," says Tsunade, shooting her fellow judge a thankful nod. "Anyway, let's move on to your photo Ino."
All heads turned to the monitor standing off to the side of the judges' table; angled in a way that allowed for everyone to have an unobstructed view of it. On screen stood Ino's photo, showing her dressed in the deep purple V-neck top and blue jeans she wore that day.
She looked like she was sitting for her senior portrait more than posing for a fashion photoshoot.
Judging from the looks in the judges' faces, they were not impressed.
"This photo is safe. Very safe," says Orochimaru. "I get that when you're just starting out in an extensive and multi-round competition such as this one, you want to play safe as the numbers start to thin out, but when we see photos like these, we can't help but speak out on it."
"You are one of the more photogenic models in this competition, and I feel that you have a lot of potential to pull off amazing photographs, but you were holding back so much," Shizune added, putting emphasis in her last words. ". . . You just wouldn't break out of your shell."
"I'm guessing that you were so worried about how we would react to your challenge performance, you went into the photoshoot hoping to play it safe all the way," says Jiraiya, Ino nodding, conceding to his analysis. "I honestly don't blame you for using that kind of strategy. You're not the first to use it after all . . . Unfortunately, Orochimaru is right. You played it too safe, and when you go too safe, you do more harm than good."
"Shizune's right. I can see the potential. . . It just took a back seat for the sake of trying to survive to the next round," says Tsunade.
"It makes you seem desperate, and no person likes to appear desperate," Orochimaru adds. "If you had pushed more and gave us something with these photos - some energy, more dynamic poses - we probably would not be having this conversation right now."
"Noted. . ." We hear Ino mumble, sounding quite humbled by her critique.
"Good to hear that . . . Let's move on to Lee. Shizune, would you like to start us off?"
"Well, I do have much to say," The photographer admits as the screen now showed Lee's best photo. He was sitting against one of the props with one leg outstretched while the other is bent at the knee, his face still except for the energy within his dark eyes. "Lee, you definitely didn't play safe! You went all out with the energy and the poses, and I applaud you for it . . . Not all of them worked though. This photo is the best of the bunch, but I just wish there were more like it, preferably with less manic eyes."
"Clients like variety, but that variety still needs to be useful," Orochimaru is quick to say as he brings a hand to his chin. "At least we know you're willing to try different things. That's always a plus. Keep at it, but keep it controlled as well."
"Sometimes less is more, so keep that in mind for the future . . ." Tsunade as Jiraiya remained silent. "On to Karin."
Lee's photo soon disappears, and in its place is Karin's. The shot was closer up than the other two, which only helped to enhance the perplexed expression she showed on screen.
"I'll be blunt. You look confused in this shot." Jiraiya admits as he points to the screen. "You look lost, and not in the ethereal, romanticized effective way that photographers like to capture with their cameras."
"This face appears in at least half of your photos. You were just unsure throughout the shoot, but there were fleeting moments where it appeared you had it . . . I just wished you'd gotten it more," Shizune adds, her face grimacing. "You have it, but you need to hold on to it. Be more consistent."
"Hmm, there is something there," Orochimaru mumbled, catching the other judges, especially Jiraiya's, attention. "I don't know about you guys, but I see a little something in her that I like."
"Hm . . ." mumbles Tsunade as she observes the monitor with a keen eye. "Possibly . . ."
"First day of the panel, and so far, the judges are in tip top form," I could hear Shikamaru mumble, his face looking like he was trying hard to not grimace as the judges continued rendering their judgement.
He probably wasn't the only one either.
"Anyway, let's move on to the next photo. Let's see Juugo's."
When Juugo's photo showed up, it was practically the male version of Karin's, except he was looking more off to the side than straight at the camera.
"Okay, confusion is written all across his face as well."
"Can't disagree with Jiraiya on this one. . . You were just as unsure as Karin, if not more. It was really a struggle to shoot you." Shizune admits, looking apologetic.
"I was trying to pay attention to Kakashi and Shizune's faces to see if what they showed would hint at something I was doing right or wrong," he says for an explanation as he folded his hands behind his back. "I obviously failed in that aspect, but in my defense, you guys have superb poker faces."
"I've had years to work on it. . ." Shizune admits. "As for Kakashi, it's hard enough to tell what he's thinking thanks to the mask he always wears, so you always have to pay attention to his eyes. He doesn't make it easy for you though, that's for sure."
"If you make it through to the next week, pick up your a-game," Orochimaru advised, his face as stoic as a marble statue. "And pick it up quickly."
"Definitely. . ." We hear Juugo say, and if he was squirming under the pale man's gaze, I couldn't blame him for it.
"Now then, let's see Sai's photo."
Juugo's photo switches places with Sai's, and it ends up being the first one where the judges don't have an immediate response to it. There were no words, no emotion, not even a slight flinch in their faces.
They were completely stone-faced, which likely meant bad news for Sai.
"There's looking confused, and then there's looking completely blank," Tsunade finally says after about a good three minutes of silence. "And Sai, you're definitely doing the latter."
"At least with the other photos, there was some emotion to them, but I can't find any emotion in this shot," Orochimaru mumbles as he shakes his head. "You want to feel connected with the photo, but I can't feel anything here, and it's pretty unnerving to me, and it's rare for me to get unnerved by something."
"Orochimaru speaks the truth. I've known him long enough to know that not much bothers the guy," Jiraiya says, pointing to his fellow judge. "I must ask. What were you thinking or feeling in this shoot Sai?"
"I don't think I was really feeling or thinking about anything at that point." He answers, his voice polite and blunt at the same time, his tone barely robotic.
"Yeah, I could tell . . . There is an openness to your face, but when you get past it, there's practically nothing behind it," mumbles Shizune. "You were probably the most difficult to shoot that day. There was just no connection, at all."
This was Shizune at her most blunt, and if she was this disappointed, I can't imagine how the other judges must be feeling.
Well, maybe I can?
"Thank you, Sai, and thank you models . . . You can all return back to the group."
The five of them were quick to nod before doing as suggested. Lee looked a little relieved, while Ino, Karin, and Juugo all looked more nervous now than they did when they came forward. Sai . . . still looked blank faced, as if the criticisms he got didn't faze him one bit.
Are we sure he isn't just an android masquerading as a human at this point?
"Okay, now for the good news. . . Hinata, Choji, Matsuri, Kankuro, and Izuka, please step forward."
My eyes widened a good inch when I heard my name.
Overcoming my initial shock, I managed to move my legs to follow the others to the platform. Just before I moved though, I spotted the scowl on Sasuke's face from the corner of my eyes, as if he were annoyed that he didn't get called up with the rest of us.
This must be a humbling experience for him.
"Congratulations, you five are the best of this round. Not only are you all safe from elimination, one of you will win best photo," Tsunade tells us with a grin, looking more eager to say the good news than when she was talking about the bad news earlier. "I want to start with you Hinata . . ."
"Me?" She shyly asks, just as her image appeared on the screen. She was sitting gracefully on a square block, her head cocked to the side as she gazed adoringly at the camera. It was a charming image, one that was quite different from the slightly nervous woman I was standing a few feet away from.
"Loved your shot," Tsunade admits. "Your eyes are really connecting with the camera here."
"This is impressive for your first photoshoot," Jiraiya adds. "You have such doll-like eyes, but they're so . . . alive in this shot."
"Your eyes. . . They're not just unique to you or your cousin?" Orochimaru asks, pointing his pen at Neji and Hinata.
"No, many members of our family share this trait," she tells him. "The shade of our eyes tends to be different, that's all."
"I see . . . This photo is definitely well done, but you need to be careful with how they could appear on camera," He advises, getting straight down to business. "Jiraiya's right. Your eyes are certainly doll-like, and that can easily be a detriment if you let it. . . Some models fizzle out because they rely on one attribute for too long, like a crutch. I don't want you to be one of those models . . . Same warning applies to everyone else of course."
"As a photographer, we love muses and subjects that can surprise us," Shizune cuts in once Orochimaru finishes speaking. "You did seem a little nervous when you came on set, but you came to life on camera. You did well, so please, keep at it."
"Choji, you're next. . . You came into this competition wanting to represent the bigger guys, and so far, so good," Tsunade admits as Choji's photo appears on screen. "I'm not a fan of the hunched over position you're in in this shot, simply because you're hiding your body a little too much for my taste, but there is some real power in the shot. Like, you were one of the few people to really attack this shoot from the get-go."
"We barely have plus-sized guys like yourself auditioning for this competition, and it's even rarer for them to make it this far, so kudos to you on that," says Jiraiya. "You are an example for all the future plus-sized male models that will come after you. . . Right now, you are definitely on the right path."
"Then again, as a plus sized male model, you must work even harder than the rest simply because of the demographic you find yourself in. Plus size male models are one of the smallest groups in modelling, and if you think plus sized women models tend to have it rough, their male counterparts are a whole other story," added Orochimaru, bringing in the blunt realism that he was known for. "You think you can manage all that?"
"I know I can." Choji announces determinedly, his voice brimming with a confidence that I never knew he possessed.
"Good . . . Matsuri's photo please." Tsunade pleads, the screen switching photos on command to display the brunette as she looks to the camera, her head tilted slightly to the side away from the camera.
"Now this photo is an interesting one," Orochimaru mumbles as he looks at the screen, his eyes keen on the expression Matsuri had in her shot. "It kinda gives you the feeling that there is more behind it, like there's some hidden story waiting to be unearthed."
"Yes, you're just teasing us in that shot. . . You wanted to say something, but you held back enough that it just made us curious about your intentions." says Shizune. "You kept it interesting, that was for sure. I was on my toes, wondering what you would pull next."
"I'm glad I could keep you interested then!"
"Now, Kankuro, I'm sure you were eager to impress after being the last name called for the Top 21, right?" Tsunade dares to ask as the conversation moved to the middle Sabakuno sibling.
". . . You can say that again," Kankuro admitted, his tone almost hitching on a word.
I think Temari chuckled when she heard it. "I did kinda feel that I had a lot to prove, considering I was the last one called."
"Well, I'd say it definitely gave you a chip on your shoulder, and it certainly worked in your favor. I like your almost angry shot," says Tsunade as she points at the screen. "It's as if you're saying, I dare you to call me last again! and I like it."
I don't think Tsunade was trying to be funny when she imitated Kankuro's voice, but boy was it funny!
"It felt like you were performing with an edge, and sometimes that doesn't work out, but it really helped you here," Jiraiya adds with an approving nod. "Be mindful though, you won't be able to bring this kind of emotion to every shot. . . If this is what you can do with an edge, I'd love to see what happens when you allow yourself to look more vulnerable."
"And now we move on to Izuka. . ." Tsunade concludes as she turns her gaze on me, everyone else's eyes following suit.
"So, she's one of the recruits with the bad case of insomnia huh?" Orochimaru asks, and all I could do was quickly nod in affirmation. "Well . . . your insomnia rings don't look as drastic as I thought they would. It looks more like a slightly overdone smoky eye."
"If that's the case, then a part of your makeup routine is set for life! There's no point in buying mascara or eyeshadow anymore. It'd be a waste of money in your case!"
I knew Jiraiya was known as the funny judge on the panel, but hearing his wit live and in person was something else. I couldn't help the chuckle that came out of my mouth, and I wasn't alone either. . .
. . . Half the room was laughing too.
"Let's move on to your shot . . . Shizune, I'll let you start this round."
"Thank you Tsunade," said the raven-haired woman as my photo appeared on screen. It happened to be one of the ones I took while sitting on the floor, lounging against one of the props, my eyes focused on the camera. "Izuka, you were one of the fun ones to shoot. You were one of the few who really embraced the setting and really played with levels. You sat on the ground, you sat on the props, you stood on the prop . . . You really gave me a lot of variety to work with."
"Body looks great . . . Face looks amazing; I thought your eyes would be a detriment, mainly because of the whole insomnia thing, but you proved me wrong," says Orochimaru, his shoulders going up in a shrug. "It's . . . It's nice to be proven wrong sometimes."
"If you can get Orochimaru to say something like that, then you already got my vote, regardless of the photo!" Jiraiya adds as he gives me a thumbs up. "Still though, well done!"
"Thank you Izuka, and thank you models. You may return to the rest of the group."
Nodding, I followed the group back to the main pack, taking in the small gestures of congratulations and approval the rest of the models were giving us as I made my way back to my original spot.
"Ok guys. The judges and I have a lot to discuss," Tsunade announces as she looks around the panel. "Please wait in the lounge. When I call you all back, I will announce who has won best photo, and which two of you will be eliminated."
A/N: Leave a comment if you like!
