diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-source-v1.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-source-v1.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f81ef0d
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-animation.gif b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-animation.gif
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2e3afd
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-battle-composite.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-battle-composite.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..390c404
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diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-before-after.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-before-after.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f0cd71
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-before-after.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-contact.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-contact.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be7b476
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-contact.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e227cd3
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-report.md b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11174f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Rebel Leader Hand-Painted v1
+
+- source: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-source-v1.png`
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- base partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 1742158
+- action partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 4815119
+- base frame border hits: 0
+- action frame border hits: 0
+- base empty frames: 0
+- action empty frames: 0
+- base bbox width range: 156..203
+- base bbox height range: 288..290
+- base bottom range: 303..303
+- action bbox width range: 150..247
+- action bbox height range: 255..290
+- action bottom range: 303..303
+- contact: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-contact.png`
+- animation: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-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-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-scale-compare.png b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-scale-compare.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3584395
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-scale-compare.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
index 385fe26..b11984c 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: 25
+- Approved baseline units: 26
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 66
+- Queued rework units: 65
 
 ## Checked Rules
 
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png
index f13863b..ce962a6 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 16acdff..72bd29c 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: 25
+- Approved baseline units: 26
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 66
+- Queued rework units: 65
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 - Current approval board: not generated until the next pending sample.
@@ -14,9 +14,8 @@ This file is generated by `scripts/write-unit-sprite-next-steps.py`.
 
 ## Next Unit Queue
 
-1. `unit-rebel-leader` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=72`
-2. `unit-rebel-leader-warlord` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=78`
-3. `unit-rebel-ragged` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=72`
+1. `unit-rebel-leader-warlord` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=78`
+2. `unit-rebel-ragged` - queued-rework, base `border-hits=32`, actions `border-hits=72`
 
 ## Commands Before Approval
 
@@ -43,5 +42,5 @@ pnpm build
 
 ## First Task After Current Approval
 
-- Start with `unit-rebel-leader`.
+- Start with `unit-rebel-leader-warlord`.
 - Generate source art, assemble sheets, produce contact/GIF/before-after/scale/battle screenshots, then rerun the gates.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rebel-leader-v1-approval-packet.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rebel-leader-v1-approval-packet.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c2faed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rebel-leader-v1-approval-packet.md
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+# Rebel Leader v1 Approval Packet
+
+- unit: `unit-rebel-leader`
+- version: `v1`
+- source: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-source-v1.png`
+- contact sheet: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-contact.png`
+- animation: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-animation.gif`
+- battle preview: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-debug-preview-battle-check.png`
+- before/after: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `docs/handpaint-batch5-rebel-leader-v1-scale-compare.png`
+- current approval board: `docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png`
+
+## Visual Decision
+
+Approved for the continuous production run.
+
+- 50px battle readability: pass
+- Yellow Turban foot leader identity: pass
+- command/saber silhouette: pass
+- avoids unique hero or warlord read: pass
+- opaque unit body: pass
+- frame boundary safety: pass
+- idle/action scale stability: pass
+
+## Technical Checks
+
+- local browser URL: `http://127.0.0.1:4173/heros_web/?debug&debugSpritePreview=unit-rebel-leader&v=rebel-leader-v1-final`
+- Local browser console errors: `0`
+- base partial alpha: `0`
+- action partial alpha: `0`
+- base frame border hits: `0`
+- action frame border hits: `0`
+- base empty frames: `0`
+- action empty frames: `0`
+- base bbox width range: `156..203`
+- base bbox height range: `288..290`
+- base bottom range: `303..303`
+- action bbox width range: `150..247`
+- action bbox height range: `255..290`
+- action bottom range: `303..303`
+
+## Notes
+
+The v1 sheet establishes a mid-tier Yellow Turban foot commander: heavier and more authoritative than a basic rebel, but deliberately less ornate than a unique officer or the upcoming warlord variant.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png
index d8ab57a..60111d0 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-batch5-rebel-other.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch5-rebel-other.png
index 2f73a0b..07da680 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch5-rebel-other.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch5-rebel-other.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png
index 76b1aa5..3412e4f 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 94a7eff..590288a 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": 25,
-    "queued-rework": 66
+    "approved-baseline": 26,
+    "queued-rework": 65
   },
   "rows": [
     {
@@ -1784,7 +1784,7 @@
     },
     {
       "batch": "batch5-rebel-other",
-      "review_stage": "queued-rework",
+      "review_stage": "approved-baseline",
       "stem": "unit-rebel-leader",
       "base": {
         "key": "unit-rebel-leader",
@@ -1794,23 +1794,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 1982634,
-        "border_hits": 32,
-        "min_width": 200,
-        "max_width": 254,
-        "min_height": 266,
-        "max_height": 266,
-        "min_bottom": 281,
-        "max_bottom": 287,
+        "opaque_pixels": 1742158,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 156,
+        "max_width": 203,
+        "min_height": 288,
+        "max_height": 290,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 54,
-        "height_swing": 0,
-        "bottom_swing": 6,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.9,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 40.6,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 42.5,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 42.5,
-        "status": "border-hits=32"
+        "width_swing": 47,
+        "height_swing": 2,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 24.9,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 32.4,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 46.0,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 46.3,
+        "status": "ok"
       },
       "actions": {
         "key": "unit-rebel-leader-actions",
@@ -1820,23 +1820,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 4448389,
-        "border_hits": 72,
-        "min_width": 200,
-        "max_width": 263,
-        "min_height": 265,
-        "max_height": 266,
-        "min_bottom": 274,
-        "max_bottom": 289,
+        "opaque_pixels": 4815119,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 150,
+        "max_width": 247,
+        "min_height": 255,
+        "max_height": 290,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 63,
-        "height_swing": 1,
-        "bottom_swing": 15,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 31.9,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 42.0,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 42.3,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 42.5,
-        "status": "border-hits=72"
+        "width_swing": 97,
+        "height_swing": 35,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 24.0,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 39.5,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 40.7,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 46.3,
+        "status": "ok"
       }
     },
     {
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
index 1c85af6..58846c7 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: 25
-- queued-rework: 66
+- approved-baseline: 26
+- queued-rework: 65
 
 ## Batch Plan
 
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 | batch5-rebel-other | approved-baseline | `unit-rebel-archer-veteran` | ok | ok | 182..233 x 286..290 | 162..243 x 224..290 | 29.1..37.2 x 45.7..46.3 | w51 h4 b0 |
 | batch1-approved-rebel | approved-baseline | `unit-rebel-cavalry` | ok | ok | 139..289 x 266..281 | 167..286 x 186..282 | 22.2..46.2 x 42.5..44.9 | w150 h15 b3 |
 | batch5-rebel-other | approved-baseline | `unit-rebel-cavalry-veteran` | ok | ok | 141..250 x 270..288 | 141..267 x 270..288 | 22.5..39.9 x 43.1..46.0 | w109 h18 b0 |
-| 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 | approved-baseline | `unit-rebel-leader` | ok | ok | 156..203 x 288..290 | 150..247 x 255..290 | 24.9..32.4 x 46.0..46.3 | w47 h2 b0 |
 | 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 | 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 |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
index 7850743..232c358 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
     "unit-rebel-archer-veteran",
     "unit-rebel-cavalry",
     "unit-rebel-cavalry-veteran",
+    "unit-rebel-leader",
     "unit-shu-archer",
     "unit-shu-cavalry",
     "unit-shu-infantry",
@@ -40,7 +41,6 @@
   "pendingApproval": [],
   "currentApprovalCandidate": {},
   "nextAfterApproval": [
-    "unit-rebel-leader",
     "unit-rebel-leader-warlord",
     "unit-rebel-ragged"
   ],
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader-actions.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader-actions.png
index 626e418..721bcd0 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader-actions.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader-actions.png differ
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader.png
index 1ce072e..27fc081 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-rebel-leader.png differ