I started this piece before the more recent issues of the manga came out and in any case, it's a slightly AU version of the characters anyway (as described by the person who commissioned me for the piece).

This is Gaara, Temari, and Kankurou several years from their previous incarnation and in different clothing. They've returned to the Hidden Village of Sand to find it deserted and in some places, in absolute ruins. Gaara is determined to rebuild it all and his siblings are proudly at his side.

Some of you may not like the new costume designs. If not, shove it. Though I'm sure you'll say something about it anyway.

Yes, that's Shikamaru's jacket Temari's wearing.

No, that is not Shukaku in the background wearing Geordi glasses.

I tried to do some interesting things with the atmosphere of this piece, depicting it as windy with a good deal of sand/other particles in the air. Thus, the discoloration of the sky and the apparent flatness/strange colors in the extreme background.

It's difficult to see in the smaller version, but Gaara has a lip-piercing as well.

I suppose that's it. I hope you enjoy!

characters © Masashi Kishimoto
fanart © The Z, 2005