Chapter 18 - Two Down, Nineteen to Go
With the judges
"Well, how about that for the first evaluation of the season hmm?" Tsunade asked with a grin after the models left the room. "I don't mean to brag, but I think Kakashi, Yamato, and myself picked out quite the pack this year!"
"I have to admit Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya mumbled as he leaned back in his chair. "When I heard that you decided that twenty-one models would survive the final cut, I honestly thought you were joking!"
"I honestly thought it was a result of one of those bad bets you're known to join in on," Orochimaru added, not fazed by the scowl that crossed the supermodel's face. "I'm happy to be wrong by the way."
"You better . . ." The blonde mumbled. "But really? Having a Top 21 this year is that much of a shock to you two?"
"We've never had this many people make it this far before!" Jiraiya said in his defense. "However, after seeing this group with my own eyes, I can see why you and the others chose them . . . They have the talent. They just need to cultivate it."
"The variety is impressive in this batch. Some have more of a commercial look, others are more high fashion, and a few are just in between. . ." Orochimaru added. "You must have seen some great potential in all of them to be willing to increase the numbers this year."
"And I hope that in these coming weeks, you'll see it just like I have," Tsunade admitted before turning her attention to the photos lying in front of her. "Unfortunately, some of our models didn't show that potential this round, and two of them will be sent home tonight."
"Lee, Sai, Juugo, Ino, and Karin. Five names have entered, two names must leave," Jiraiya mumbled, sounding like an announcer for an MMA fight. "I guess I can start."
"By all means, go ahead," Tsunade prods, eager to hear what he had to say.
"Well, out of the bottom five," The novelist started to say as he looked at one photo in particular. "For me, Lee is the safest in the group, even with his poor showing in the challenge. . . Out of all of them, he showed the most effort in the shoot, even if it was a little too much."
"I'm with Jiraiya on this one," Shizune admitted, smirking slightly. "Between safe, too much, confused, confused, and absolute blank, give me too much every time. At least with too much, I know I'm going to at least have some energy on set. . . The rest were just a bit too boring for my taste."
"When the photographer starts using 'boring' in the conversation, you know it was bad," Tsunade mumbled as Jiraiya and Shizune shared a knowing look. "What are your thoughts, Orochimaru?"
"Well, when you have a model that gives you too much, at the very least, you'll luck into some good shots." Orochimaru mumbled as he picked up Lee's photo. "However, he'll need to channel his energy properly when he's in front of the camera. Not to mention - but I will - he needs to learn to get to places on time."
"Okay, after hearing all that you all had to say, Lee's definitely safe," Tsunade concluded as Orochimaru pushed Lee's shot off to the side. "So, next question, who's safe with him?"
"I say Ino," Jiraiya starts off, picking up her photo. "When it comes down to it, she played it safe because she was disqualified in the challenge, plain and simple. . . If she had made it to that runway on time, we likely would have seen an entirely different photo from her."
"I agree. . . Ino was hindered by fear, and I want to see her at her very best, when she's not hindered by such fear," Tsunade mumbled. "There's more in her. I know there is. I think once she puts this week behind her, she'll start showcasing her true talent."
"For her sake, I hope so. . . I'm still not sure about her because of her miscue. However, if she can prove herself in the future challenges, I may amend my opinion."
"I have the strange feeling that she will Orochimaru."
"We'll see about that Jiraiya," The designer challenged before looking back at the photos. "Now that we have that settled, what about the other three? I think the picks for elimination are between Sai, Juugo, and Karin at this point. Lee and Ino did make mistakes, but I can forgive what they did more than the other three."
"Well, I think we all can agree on one person who should definitely be sent home." Shizune mumbled, her eyes sneaking a glance at a certain photo before she turned away. "But it's a toss-up between the other two because they were both equally bad."
"I agree with Shizune," Tsunade mumbled as she picked up two of the photos. "I think we can agree that these two were on the same level. . . Who do we think has more potential?"
"One of them definitely has a better shot than the other," Jiraiya pointed out as he looked at one of the photos. When he snuck a look at Orochimaru, who was looking at the same photo he was looking at, he knew he wasn't alone in his thinking. "Judging from that look Orochimaru, I believe we're on the same page. . . Don't try to say otherwise."
"We usually differ when it comes to these decisions, but this time, you got me there Jiraiya."
"It's nice to see you two agree on something," Tsunade mumbled as she turned to her right-hand lady. "What about you Shizune? What do you say?"
"You won't see me disagreeing with these men!"
"Smart choice. . ."
"I'm glad you appreciate it, Orochimaru."
"Alright, it's settled then," Tsunade announced, moving to the other set of photos that they had to consider. "Let's move on to our other piece of business. Who should get Best Photo this week?"
The judges spent the next half-hour debating over who deserved top photo, and for the most part, they were split between two candidates. Orochimaru and Tsunade were in favor of one contestant, while Jiraiya and Shizune were in favor of the other. Unfortunately for the novelist, his friends managed to wear Shizune down, and she decided to switch her pick, much to the man's chagrin.
"Don't pout Jiraiya. You'll have your due one day," Tsunade said, her voice teasing as she looked away from the white-haired man, who was indeed pouting. "Now then, let's get the models back in here. We've got some news to share with them.
Back to Izuka's POV
"So, how does it feel to be in the Top 5 little sis?"
Looking over at my brother's expecting gaze, I couldn't help but smirk at the almost childish glint that was shining in his eyes, and I couldn't blame him for it. Naruto was one of those guys that you could rely on to be happy for you no matter what, and it was nice to have that kind of support, even during the moments where you were not really into it.
"It feels good, better than good actually," I admit as I looked up at the ceiling. "I never expected to rank high in the first round of judging, but it's nice to be pleasantly shocked every once in a while. . . So, how does it feel to be safe big bro?"
"Being safe is always nice, but I wish I was in the Top Five too."
"Don't worry Naruto, there's always the next round," I say as I spot the wanting look in his eyes. "I'm sure you'll do better in the next photoshoot."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence sis," he says, smirking at me as he continues to use my shoulder as a pillow. ". . . Well, it's been almost an hour since we've left the judging room. How much longer do you think it'll take before we're called back in?"
"I don't know," I say as I move my gaze over to the skyline, the skyscrapers looking like illuminated pillars stretching up into the sky. "We just need to be patient. They'll call us in, eventually."
"You know patience isn't my strong suit sis."
"Tell me about it," The sarcasm was obvious in my tone as I looked down at his face. "You're at your worst when your favorite ramen stand announces a new flavor on their menu. As soon as you hear about it, you drop everything that you're doing to go eat it!"
"Hey! Those new ramen dishes were worth it!" He says in his defense. "Yes, they take a bite out of my wallet, but they were worth it . . . You would know if you'd just join me every once in a while."
"Yeah, I don't have the stomach for ramen like you do," I mumble as I turn to see Gaara talking to Lee across the room. "And speaking of stomachs, didn't you get diarrhea after trying the squid ramen, twice?"
"Okay, yeah, that one flavor wasn't worth it," He concedes, just as the doors start to swing open. "Finally! The deliberations are over!"
"C'mon then," I say, playfully shoving him off my shoulder. "Let's go face the music!"
After following the crowd back into the judging room, we find Tsunade once again standing in front of the now stone-faced judging panel. Per custom, she was holding our photos in her hands, but the images were facing her stomach, their order a momentary secret from the rest of us.
"The first week after the semifinals is all about making a good first impression, and you guys had to do it with, well, limited options compared to other seasons," Tsunade says, her tone containing some mirth as she looked at us all. "For your challenge, you had to do it without the help of runway personnel, and for your photoshoot, you had to do it without the help of Kakashi and Shizune's constructive criticism . . . Some of you managed to rise to the challenge in all respects, and unfortunately, some of you fell just a little flat."
"Twenty-one models stand before me, but only nineteen will move on to the next phase of the competition. . . The first name I'm going to call has earned best photo of the week, and that person is. . ."
The customary pause is expected, but it still manages to raise the tension in the room. I was happy to know that I was in the Top Five, but I would be lying to myself if I said that I wasn't eager to hear that I earned the best photo. It was an important accomplishment for a reason, and the more you earn, the better you look in the judges' eyes.
"Hinata!"
My eyes, as well as everyone else's, went straight to the indigo haired woman standing in the middle of the front row, who still didn't move, even after hearing her name get called. I couldn't see what her expression was from my spot in the back - it was probably visible shock - but thanks to a little nudge from Neji, she finally moved, stepping forward with her hands going straight for her face.
"Why so shocked? You earned it this week!" Tsunade admits as she held the shot out to her.
"I'm just . . . a little stunned. That's all." She squeaks out as she takes her photo.
"Ah, people react to their first wins differently, but never doubt that you worked hard to earn this. You got that?"
Hinata managed to nod before dipping into a respectful bow. With one quick thank you, she moves to stand on the platform that was just off to the side, still looking quite stunned with herself.
"Now then, the runner up for best photo is. . ." The supermodel announced before unveiling it. "Matsuri!"
"OH YES!" The brunette exclaims, weaving her way out from the group to get to Tsunade. Her reaction was very different from Hinata's, but it did earn her a good laugh from almost everyone in the room. The only one who didn't laugh was Sasuke.
Then again, he hadn't been in a good mood since he realized he was among those that were safe . . .
. . . He's probably one of those overachiever types.
"It was very close, but Hinata narrowly beat you for the top spot," Tsunade explains as Matsuri came to a stop in front of her. "Second place is not bad for your first go around, but there's definitely more in you. Keep up the good work!"
"I definitely will! Thank you so much!" At this point, Matsuri's energy was infectious, and I was smiling with her as she moved to stand beside Hinata.
"Next name: Izuka!"
The sound of my name being called is music to my ears, and I wasted no time weaving my way through the crowd, trying to not appear too eager as I moved toward the woman and her expectant gaze.
"It seems that insomnia of yours isn't going to hamper your work after all."
"Definitely not."
"Glad to hear it!" Her smile grows a tad bigger at my admission, and she hands me my photo before gesturing for me to join my fellow top performers on the sidelines. Hinata was quick to greet me with a hug while Matsuri patted my shoulder, but I couldn't think on that for long, not when Tsunade was still listing off names.
"Now then, it's time I reveal the top male performer this round . . . Come on up Choji."
The brawny, long-haired model was quick to sport a smile as he walked up to the woman to claim his photo. He was soon followed by Kankuro, who, judging from the victorious grin on his face, saw this as a personal victory, and why not?
Going from being called last to being called fifth was quite a step in the right direction.
We spent the next few minutes watching Tsunade call up model after model to retrieve their photo. Some looked relieved to be called up, while others looked a bit more serious, as if they were already planning out how they could improve in the next round.
After Shikamaru joined us - his face remaining contemplative as he stared at his photo - the bottom five stood on the main platform, awaiting their fates. While Lee, Ino, Juugo, and Karin all looked understandably worried, Sai's face remained blank, though his eyes were now starting to convey some kind of emotion that had been absent till now.
I just had no idea which emotion he was trying to show.
"Five models stand before me, but I only hold three photos in my hand," Tsunade's tone was now somber, contradicting the neutral look on her face.
Well, it was well known that eliminations were the one part of the job she liked the least, but a host got to do what a host got to do. "Lee."
Theman with the bushiest eyebrows I've ever seen took in a long breath before walking forward. His confidence was still there, but it was likely shaken as he came to a stop a foot away from her.
"Lee, the judges and I did not like hearing that you were late to the challenge. However, we did appreciate the energy you brought to the photoshoot. . . You just need to control it. You think you can do that?"
"Definitely! I can definitely control the energy for next time," he says, taking the offered photo, bowing out of respect - and maybe apology - before joining the rest of us with some determination in his eyes.
"This next person is someone that the judges and I have high hopes for," The supermodel announces as she shows the photo. "Don't let us down Ino."
Ino was holding back tears as she walked up to claim her photo. We watched Tsunade as she whispered something - likely a few encouraging words - in her ear before gesturing for her to join the rest of us, sending her off with a nice pat to the shoulder to boot.
"Hey! Are you ok Ino?" Choji was the first to ask as she came to a stop next to Lee.
"I'll be fine. . . A little anxious and maybe a tiny bit petrified, but I'll be fine." She manages to tell us as she plucks a couple of tissues out from her pocket. . . At least she planned accordingly.
"And now we're down to three . . . Juugo, Sai, and Karin, please step forward."
". . . And here comes the finale!" Kankuro whispers to the rest of us as all three stepped forward. "This should be interesting."
"I wish them all the best. . ." Gaara adds, and I couldn't help but agree with the sentiment.
"Karin, Sai, Juugo, there is only one photo in my hand, which means for two of you, your journey in this competition ends here," Tsunade announces, her tone grave. "The two that are eliminated will have to leave here, return to the house, pack up all your stuff, and go home."
"Now then, what landed the three of you here was all in the face . . ." She goes on to say, even gesturing at her own face for good measure. "Karin, Juugo, all we got was confusion. Neither of you looked like you knew what you were doing, and when you don't know what you're doing, the results do not work in your favor."
"And then there's you Sai. . ." She says, turning to the third member of the unlucky trio. "All we got from your photo was a blank canvas. Vacant, eerie . . . It was as if you weren't even present to begin with, and it makes us wonder if you even want to be here. . . So, who stays, and who goes?"
No one said a word as the tension in the room reached a fever pitch. Karin's eyes looked glassy behind her glasses, as if she was on the verge of tears herself. Juugo was clenching and re-clenching his hands, and Sai had his head slightly bowed, as if he was finally bracing himself for some bad news, or bracing for the emotional fallout that'll result with what's to come next.
"Karin!"
The redhead let out a breath that could have been heard from the other room as her head rolled back in shock. Taking a moment to wipe the tears from her face, she takes the photo with a grateful nod before moving to join the rest of us, leaving Tsunade to give the traditional farewell hugs and last words to Sai and Juugo before they had to go.
"You okay Glasses?" Suigetsu asked as the redhead stood at Sasuke's side.
"I'll be fine . . . This was just a setback, but I'll be better." She says as Juugo and Sai shook hands with the other judges.
"Yeah; we'll see about that," Mr. Shark Teeth mumbles, ignoring the glare she sent his way. "Still, someone had to go first. Be glad it wasn't you."
"Or any of us for that matter," Kiba jumps in as the rest of us watch the fallen start to walk out the room. . . At least Juugo was nice enough to shoot off a goodbye wave. Sai simply walked out the room without acknowledging any of us.
"Well, everyone," Tsunade announces, bringing our attention back to her. "You just survived your first elimination, but remember, this is only round one . . . The road to the end isn't going to get any easier, so rest up, cause it's only going to get harder from here on out! Goodnight, everyone!"
"GOODNIGHT!" We called back before we moved to make our own exit, and yeah, she's right . . .
. . . It really was going to get harder from this point on.
A/N: Leave a comment if you like!
Also, here is the elimination order at the end of Panel 1. . .
1. Hinata
2. Marsuri
3. Izuka
4. Choji
5. Kankuro
6. Sakura
7. Suigetsu
8. Kiba
9. Neji
10. Gaara
11. Sasuke
12. TenTen
13. Naruto
14. Shino
15. Temari
16. Shikamaru
17. Lee
18. Ino
19. Karin
Eliminated
20. Juugo
21. Sai