Basking in the sun's rays I laid on the ground relaxing and enjoying my day off when a bird started flying in circles creating a shadow above me. I opened my eyes so I could move when I noticed that it wasn't a bird from this area. As I sat up the strange bird flew down and landed near me, cautiously it hopped closer. I watched it carefully, it was a strange way for a bird to act. As my eyes scanned the bird I noticed a note attached to its leg and realized it was a messenger bird. Slowly I reached out to take the note the bird tilted his head at me as I did so but didn't move. I unrolled the paper and read the message. Growling I scrambled to get up and ran back inside to gather my things.

"Emiko, Pein wants to see us," Sasori caught me on my way to my room, I did not have time for a new mission but I followed him anyway.

"Itachi, Kisame, Sasori, Deidara, Emiko, I'm sending you to China," Pein announced immediately as I entered the room and stood by Sasori "We are being handsomely paid to help train the new troops in preparation for war. Hurry and get ready you'll be leaving right away. Oh and for this mission Itachi and Emiko are in charge, you are dismissed."

I rolled my eyes racing back to my room to grab my things yet again, since Sasori interrupted me last time. I also needed to change out of this Akatsuki cloak and into a red off the shoulder top that has a black corset starting below my breasts to my hips and a pair of tight black pants that I can still easily move in. I pulled on a pair of fingerless gloves, knee high heeled boots and added some pouches to my legs for weapons. I looked at myself in the mirror to double check that everything looked good. I was ready for anything that came my way. I put my long auburn hair up in a high ponytail as I made my way outside where the rest of the team were waiting.

"Everyone ready?" I asked ignoring the fact I was the last one out.

They all nodded. Because China is so far away I was going to transport everyone there instead of using Deidara's clay birds which would take us a few days. I took a deep breath and did the necessary hand signs then concentrated on getting all of us to China – in one piece. The transportation sensation is still weird, doesn't matter how many times I do it, it feels like my body stands still as my soul is flying to the destination then my body lurches forward to meet up with my soul.

"Transporting is a weird feeling, un," Deidara shivered "I prefer to fly."

I collapsed to my knees exhausted by the amount of power I needed to perform such a technique - especially at such a distance "It takes a lot out of me when I do a large group Deidara. So don't be complaining."

"We should rest here before we go find the training camp," Itachi ordered.

I agreed staying on the ground as the guys cleared the area and gathered fire wood. My mind wondered to the messenger bird, it came from my Aunt and Uncle asking me to help my cousin Mulan. I know she's adventurous but I didn't think she'd be stupid enough to try to join in the war efforts.

I made sure everyone was asleep before sneaking out of our camp site. I began walking in the direction of where I felt Mulan's presence. Unexpectedly two arms wrapped around my waist. I jumped, a scream on the tip of my tongue when a hand quickly covered my mouth. The camp was out of sight but I wasn't too far off, someone would hear me if I did scream.

"Shhh," Itachi's velvet voice whispered in my ear and I relaxed in his arms "Where do you think you're going? You should be resting, your techniques take a lot of energy."

"I can't," I spun around in his arms whispering "I have something that I have to do."

"Do tell."

With a sigh I rested my forehead against his strong chest "My cousin, Mulan, is female. Just before Pein told us about this mission I got a messenger bird from her parents asking for my help. She's currently impersonating a soldier and according to Chinese law if she's found out she'll be killed. They believe women should work in the fields or stay home with the children."

"So this mission is personal for you," Itachi rubbed my back "I'll help you anyway I can."

I smiled standing on my tip toes to kiss him. Itachi and I have been going out in secret for a long time. To keep our reputation intact we keep it that way, if any one were to find out that we love each other it could be used against us in a battle. I find it a little annoying I can't kiss him any time I want but when we are alone together the kiss feels even better.