Shin's life began tragically as a war orphan, losing his parents to conflict at age five. Taken to Jouto village in Qin, he lived as a servant alongside another orphan, Hyou, under the village mayor—a status akin to slavery with no escape from generational servitude. Hyou convinced Shin that military achievement offered their only path to freedom, igniting their shared dream to become the "Greatest Generals Under the Heavens." They trained relentlessly with wooden swords, sparring over 1,250 times during childhood; Shin won 333 matches, lost 334, and drew 587.
Hyou was recruited as a body double for Qin's King Ei Sei but returned mortally wounded by assassins during a royal power struggle. With his dying breath, Hyou directed Shin to a remote shack where Shin encountered Ei Sei, who resembled Hyou. Shin killed the assassin Jo Kan, avenging Hyou, and allied with Ei Sei and mountain tribe girl Ka Ryo Ten to thwart a coup by the king's half-brother, Sei Kyou. This included a perilous journey to secure aid from the Mountain King, where Shin's raw combat skills and protective instincts proved vital. Witnessing Hyou's heroic death solidified Shin's resolve to achieve their dream.
Shin enlisted in the Qin military, initially dismissed as weak due to his youth and assigned to a low-ranked squad. His first campaign against Wei revealed his battlefield instincts and leadership; he saved soldiers from war chariots, earning promotion to 100-man commander. After aiding Ei Sei during an assassination plot involving Kyou Kai—a skilled swordswoman from the assassin group Chi You—Shin sought training from retired Great General Ou Ki. Ou Ki tested Shin by sending him to pacify the stateless region, teaching him about unity and leadership. Shin later served under Ou Ki during the Battle of Bayou against Zhao, where his unit eliminated General Fuu Ki. Ou Ki bestowed the name "Hi Shin Unit" (Rapid and Trustworthy Force) before his death, and Shin inherited Ou Ki's glaive, symbolizing his ascent.
Shin rose to 1,000-man commander after the Sanyou Campaign, where he confronted the legendary Ren Pa. His unit became a specialist force, adopting sky-blue scale armor and Kyou Kai's clan markings on his bracers. During the Coalition Invasion, Shin's defense of Sai Citadel showcased his ability to inspire civilians and soldiers alike. He attained the rank of 5,000-man commander after the Western Zhao Invasion, adding spiked pauldrons to his armor to honor Duke Hyou, another mentor. In the Gyou Campaign, Shin dueled and killed the martial arts master Hou Ken, fulfilling a years-long vendetta. This victory earned him promotion to General and a feudal estate in Fuuri, though he retained his modest lifestyle.
Shin is brash and hot-tempered, often clashing with his strategist Ka Ryo Ten, whom he views as a sister. He exhibits fierce loyalty, risking his life for comrades and civilians. His courage borders on recklessness; he repeatedly challenges stronger foes, including Hou Ken and Zhao's Rin Ko, whom he defeated in a duel. Despite minimal formal education, Shin inspires unwavering loyalty in his troops and respect from allies and enemies. He values the "wills" of fallen warriors, regardless of allegiance. His relationship with Kyou Kai deepened over time; she became his deputy and confidante, with Shin proposing marriage after China's unification.
Shin possesses superhuman strength, endurance, and combat adaptability. He fights through severe injuries, notably defeating Hou Ken despite critical wounds. His instincts evolved into strategic command during the Battle of Kankoku Pass, allowing him to rival seasoned instinctual generals like Gyo'Un. Primary weapons include Ou Ki's glaive and Hyou's sword. He also wields Duke Hyou's shield, entrusted to Ei Sei for safekeeping.
Historically, Shin faces future setbacks, including defeats against Zhao and Chu due to underestimating enemies and potential betrayals. These losses necessitate Qin's reliance on other generals for victory.