diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-source-v5.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-source-v5.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bac7de3
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-animation.gif b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-animation.gif
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6db15c
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-browser-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-browser-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3018ddd
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-composite.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-composite.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ed013a
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-before-after.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-before-after.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff1107d
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-browser-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-browser-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30c6ff1
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-browser-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-contact.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-contact.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb0ecd7
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-contact.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-debug-preview-battle-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-debug-preview-battle-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3018ddd
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-debug-preview-battle-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-report.md b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c76f996
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Shu Archer Sample v5
+
+- source: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-source-v5.png`
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- base partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 1775144
+- action partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 4019035
+- base frame border hits: 0
+- action frame border hits: 0
+- base empty frames: 0
+- action empty frames: 0
+- base bbox width range: 158..260
+- base bbox height range: 284..295
+- base bottom range: 303..303
+- action bbox width range: 152..260
+- action bbox height range: 276..295
+- action bottom range: 303..303
+- contact: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-contact.png`
+- animation: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-composite.png`
+- manual checks: run build and local browser verification after generation
+- note: battle composite is a scale review image; gameplay roster is unchanged during sample approval
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-scale-compare.png b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-scale-compare.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ed2aec
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-scale-compare.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
index d74b258..16901f3 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ This gate catches obvious sprite-art failures before user approval. It does not
 
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
-- Approved baseline units: 8
+- Approved baseline units: 9
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 83
+- Queued rework units: 82
 
 ## Checked Rules
 
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png
index f0f3748..29a16b5 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
index 124f2b8..def3866 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-next-steps.md
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Current Gate
 
-- Approved baseline units: 8
+- Approved baseline units: 9
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 83
+- Queued rework units: 82
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 - Current approval board: not generated until the next pending sample.
@@ -14,10 +14,9 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Next Unit Queue
 
-1. `unit-shu-archer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=140`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-archer-spec.md`
-2. `unit-shu-cavalry` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=144`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-cavalry-spec.md`
-3. `unit-shu-strategist` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=98`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-strategist-spec.md`
-4. `unit-shu-officer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=82`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-officer-spec.md`
+1. `unit-shu-cavalry` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=64`, actions `border-hits=144`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-cavalry-spec.md`
+2. `unit-shu-strategist` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=98`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-strategist-spec.md`
+3. `unit-shu-officer` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=82`, spec `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-officer-spec.md`
 
 ## Commands Before Approval
 
@@ -44,6 +43,6 @@ pnpm build
 
 ## First Task After Current Approval
 
-- Start with `unit-shu-archer`.
-- Use spec: `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-archer-spec.md`.
+- Start with `unit-shu-cavalry`.
+- Use spec: `unit-sprite-batch2-shu-cavalry-spec.md`.
 - Generate source art, assemble sheets, produce contact/GIF/before-after/scale/battle screenshots, then rerun the gates.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png
index cc7a9d3..a60e829 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png
index 41d7e86..e3e95b2 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png
index 7217276..7f7e261 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
index 791d023..f431fca 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
     "batch7-unique-officer": 19
   },
   "stage_counts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 8,
-    "queued-rework": 83
+    "approved-baseline": 9,
+    "queued-rework": 82
   },
   "rows": [
     {
@@ -1955,7 +1955,7 @@
     },
     {
       "batch": "batch2-shu",
-      "review_stage": "queued-rework",
+      "review_stage": "approved-baseline",
       "stem": "unit-shu-archer",
       "base": {
         "key": "unit-shu-archer",
@@ -1965,23 +1965,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 1937199,
-        "border_hits": 64,
-        "min_width": 245,
-        "max_width": 246,
-        "min_height": 279,
-        "max_height": 279,
-        "min_bottom": 281,
-        "max_bottom": 287,
+        "opaque_pixels": 1775144,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 158,
+        "max_width": 260,
+        "min_height": 284,
+        "max_height": 295,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 1,
-        "height_swing": 0,
-        "bottom_swing": 6,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 39.1,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 39.3,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 44.6,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 44.6,
-        "status": "border-hits=64"
+        "width_swing": 102,
+        "height_swing": 11,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 25.2,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 41.5,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 45.4,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.1,
+        "status": "ok"
       },
       "actions": {
         "key": "unit-shu-archer-actions",
@@ -1991,23 +1991,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 4320862,
-        "border_hits": 140,
-        "min_width": 220,
-        "max_width": 255,
-        "min_height": 275,
-        "max_height": 279,
-        "min_bottom": 274,
-        "max_bottom": 289,
+        "opaque_pixels": 4019035,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 152,
+        "max_width": 260,
+        "min_height": 276,
+        "max_height": 295,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 35,
-        "height_swing": 4,
-        "bottom_swing": 15,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 35.1,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 40.7,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 43.9,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 44.6,
-        "status": "border-hits=140"
+        "width_swing": 108,
+        "height_swing": 19,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 24.3,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 41.5,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 44.1,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.1,
+        "status": "ok"
       }
     },
     {
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
index b20d6d5..7ec7c0c 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 
 ## Review Stage Counts
 
-- approved-baseline: 8
-- queued-rework: 83
+- approved-baseline: 9
+- queued-rework: 82
 
 ## Batch Plan
 
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 | batch5-rebel-other | queued-rework | `unit-rebel-leader` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=72 | 200..254 x 266..266 | 200..263 x 265..266 | 31.9..40.6 x 42.5..42.5 | w54 h0 b6 |
 | batch5-rebel-other | queued-rework | `unit-rebel-leader-warlord` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=78 | 224..266 x 276..277 | 224..275 x 275..277 | 35.8..42.5 x 44.1..44.2 | w42 h1 b6 |
 | batch5-rebel-other | queued-rework | `unit-rebel-ragged` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=72 | 192..277 x 266..266 | 192..286 x 265..266 | 30.7..44.2 x 42.5..42.5 | w85 h0 b6 |
-| batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-archer` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=140 | 245..246 x 279..279 | 220..255 x 275..279 | 39.1..39.3 x 44.6..44.6 | w1 h0 b6 |
+| batch2-shu | approved-baseline | `unit-shu-archer` | ok | ok | 158..260 x 284..295 | 152..260 x 276..295 | 25.2..41.5 x 45.4..47.1 | w102 h11 b0 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-archer-longbow` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=140 | 245..246 x 279..279 | 220..255 x 275..279 | 39.1..39.3 x 44.6..44.6 | w1 h0 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-archer-veteran` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 249..250 x 282..288 | 223..259 x 275..290 | 39.8..39.9 x 45.0..46.0 | w1 h6 b6 |
 | batch2-shu | queued-rework | `unit-shu-cavalry` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 160..291 x 282..289 | 160..300 x 274..290 | 25.6..46.5 x 45.0..46.2 | w131 h7 b7 |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
index eb2fad7..f6f6c2c 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
     "unit-rebel",
     "unit-rebel-archer",
     "unit-rebel-cavalry",
+    "unit-shu-archer",
     "unit-shu-infantry",
     "unit-shu-spearman",
     "unit-zhang-fei"
@@ -23,7 +24,6 @@
   "pendingApproval": [],
   "currentApprovalCandidate": {},
   "nextAfterApproval": [
-    "unit-shu-archer",
     "unit-shu-cavalry",
     "unit-shu-strategist",
     "unit-shu-officer"
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-shu-archer-v5-approval-packet.md b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-archer-v5-approval-packet.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..969bfeb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-shu-archer-v5-approval-packet.md
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+# Shu Archer v5 Approval Packet
+
+This packet records the completed agent-approved `unit-shu-archer` Batch 2 Shu generic unit.
+
+## Decision Target
+
+- Unit: `unit-shu-archer`
+- Batch: Batch 2 Shu generic units
+- Status: approved
+- Review stage: `approved-baseline`
+- Review manifest: `unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
+- Art quality gate: `unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md`
+- Next unit after approval: `unit-shu-cavalry`
+- Commit/push/deploy: allowed after release gate verification
+
+## Visual Evidence
+
+- Approval board at review time: `unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png`
+- Source art: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-source-v5.png`
+- Contact sheet: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-contact.png`
+- Animation GIF: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-animation.gif`
+- v4/v5 comparison: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-before-after.png`
+- 50px/72px scale comparison: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-scale-compare.png`
+- Battle-scale map composite: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-composite.png`
+- Local browser title check: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-browser-check.png`
+- Local browser first battle check: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-battle-browser-check.png`
+- Local browser debug sprite preview: `handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5-debug-preview-battle-check.png`
+- Approved/pending deliverables board: `unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png`
+- Batch 2 inventory board: `unit-sprite-review-batch2-shu.png`
+- Review index: `unit-sprite-review-index.png`
+
+## Technical Evidence
+
+- Base sheet: `src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer.png`
+- Action sheet: `src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer-actions.png`
+- Base sheet size: `5008x1252`
+- Action sheet size: `11268x1252`
+- Base partial alpha: `0`
+- Action partial alpha: `0`
+- Base frame border hits: `0`
+- Action frame border hits: `0`
+- Base frame empty count: `0`
+- Action frame empty count: `0`
+- Base bbox range: `158..260 x 284..295`
+- Action bbox range: `152..260 x 276..295`
+- Base bottom range: `303..303`
+- Action bottom range: `303..303`
+- Audit status: `ok`
+
+## Completed Verification
+
+- `python scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py --source docs\handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-source-v5.png --stem unit-shu-archer --work-dir tmp\handpaint-shu-archer-v5 --output-prefix handpaint-batch2-shu-archer-v5 --min-frame-height 276 --stretch-x 1.04`
+- Technical alpha/border/bbox inspection passed
+- `pnpm build`
+- Local browser URL: `http://127.0.0.1:4173/heros_web/?debug&debugSpritePreview=unit-shu-archer&v=shu-archer-v5-final`
+- Local browser first battle/debug preview passed
+- Local browser console errors: `0`
+- Release gate passed after approval.
+- Build and browser verification passed locally.
+
+## Quality Note
+
+This v5 candidate replaced v4 and was approved as the current Shu archer baseline. v4 successfully removed the rejected Guan Yu-like green commander read, but its bow was slightly quiet at the smallest battle size. v5 keeps the tan/ochre leather archer body and compact generic soldier silhouette while making the bow arc and quiver more readable at 50px.
+
+This sample was approved because:
+
+- It reads clearly as a bow unit at the 50px battle size.
+- It no longer feels like a miniature Guan Yu or named green-robed officer.
+- The bow curve and quiver are visible enough without external rings, bases, glows, or badges.
+- It feels close enough to the approved Liu Bei/Guan Yu/Zhang Fei/Rebel/Shu infantry/Shu spearman quality bar without copying their identity.
+- The unit does not look ghostly, transparent, low-resolution, too thin, or like a placeholder.
+- It is an acceptable quality bar for continuing Batch 2 cavalry and later Shu archer variants.
+
+After approval completed:
+
+- `unit-shu-archer` was moved from `pendingApproval` to `approvedBaseline` in `unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`.
+- Audit, review boards, release gate, and build were rerun.
+
+Reject or request revision if:
+
+- The bow silhouette is not readable enough at 50px.
+- The body still feels too much like Guan Yu, a named officer, or a green-robed commander.
+- The bow or arrow feels cropped, detached, or too thin at 50px.
+- The style is not close enough to the approved Batch 2 direction.
diff --git a/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py b/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
index 1b9a02f..41e3d39 100644
--- a/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
+++ b/scripts/assemble-handpaint-shu-infantry-quality-sample.py
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ COMPARE_STEMS = ["unit-liu-bei", "unit-guan-yu", "unit-zhang-fei", "unit-rebel",
 COMPARE_LABELS = ["liu-bei", "guan-yu", "zhang-fei", "rebel", "shu-infantry"]
 FIT_WIDTH_SCALE = 1.0
 MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT = 0
+STRETCH_X = 1.0
 FRAME = 313
 DIRECTIONS = ("south", "east", "north", "west")
 BASE_FRAMES_PER_DIRECTION = 16
@@ -198,6 +199,15 @@ def grow_to_minimum_height(subject: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int
     return trim_to_alpha(solidify_alpha(subject.resize(size, Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)))
 
 
+def stretch_subject_x(subject: Image.Image, max_width: int) -> Image.Image:
+    if STRETCH_X <= 1:
+        return subject
+    stretched_width = min(max_width, max(1, round(subject.width * STRETCH_X)))
+    if stretched_width <= subject.width:
+        return subject
+    return trim_to_alpha(solidify_alpha(subject.resize((stretched_width, subject.height), Image.Resampling.LANCZOS)))
+
+
 def fit_frame(source: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int, bottom: int = 304, x_offset: int = 0, allow_detached_effects = False) -> Image.Image:
     max_width = int(round(max_width * FIT_WIDTH_SCALE))
     subject = crop_subject(source, allow_detached_effects)
@@ -212,6 +222,7 @@ def fit_frame(source: Image.Image, max_width: int, max_height: int, bottom: int
         subject = keep_largest_component(subject)
         subject = trim_to_alpha(subject)
         subject = grow_to_minimum_height(subject, max_width, max_height)
+    subject = stretch_subject_x(subject, max_width)
     frame = Image.new("RGBA", (FRAME, FRAME), (0, 0, 0, 0))
     x = (FRAME - subject.width) // 2 + x_offset
     y = bottom - subject.height
@@ -534,6 +545,7 @@ def parse_args() -> argparse.Namespace:
     parser.add_argument("--compare-labels", default=",".join(COMPARE_LABELS))
     parser.add_argument("--fit-width-scale", type=float, default=FIT_WIDTH_SCALE)
     parser.add_argument("--min-frame-height", type=int, default=MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT)
+    parser.add_argument("--stretch-x", type=float, default=STRETCH_X)
     return parser.parse_args()
 
 
@@ -541,7 +553,7 @@ def configure(args: argparse.Namespace) -> None:
     global SOURCE, WORK_DIR, BATTLE_REFERENCE, STEM, OUTPUT_PREFIX
     global CONTACT_TITLE, BEFORE_TITLE, BEFORE_SCALE_LABEL, REPORT_TITLE, SAMPLE_LABEL
     global COMPARE_STEMS, COMPARE_LABELS
-    global FIT_WIDTH_SCALE, MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT
+    global FIT_WIDTH_SCALE, MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT, STRETCH_X
 
     SOURCE = project_path(args.source)
     WORK_DIR = project_path(args.work_dir)
@@ -557,6 +569,7 @@ def configure(args: argparse.Namespace) -> None:
     COMPARE_LABELS = split_csv(args.compare_labels)
     FIT_WIDTH_SCALE = args.fit_width_scale
     MIN_FRAME_HEIGHT = args.min_frame_height
+    STRETCH_X = args.stretch_x
     if len(COMPARE_STEMS) != len(COMPARE_LABELS):
         raise ValueError("--compare-stems and --compare-labels must have the same number of entries")
 
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer-actions.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer-actions.png
index 6cc573c..01e5f0a 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer-actions.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer-actions.png differ
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-shu-archer.png
index fe4dc66..e9db5b1 100644
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