Yu Jin had a reputation — Known across the lands for his harshness in his drills, his training regimes.

It wasn’t an uncommon thing for soldiers to fall short in the training, often ending up being punished with further practice swings or perhaps more pushups. It was a never ending cycle, training under him.

Under the banner of Wei, you had fought. Forging your alliance after Lord Cao Cao had seen your skills. The lord was quick to recruit anyone with talent to his cause, and that was why the army was strong.

Now that your alliance was forged, you had spent most of your days, when not marching to another destination to fight a rival army, training. Poking, swinging and slashing at practice dummies in the courtyard. Lord Yu Jin had been quietly watching over you, waiting for a fault.

He could see how diligent you were. How focused you were. The power you put into the swings of your blade. But the more he watched, the more he saw your strength wane. You were distracted.

The court was empty, apart from the two of you. Almost like a private session. He approached, his steps quiet against the dirt.

“Calm your mind, soldier… You’ll hurt yourself.”

His voice, deep, called out once he was close. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was starting to grow a soft spot for you.