diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-source-v1.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-source-v1.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1c11582
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-source-v1.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-animation.gif b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-animation.gif
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..129af55
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-animation.gif differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-battle-composite.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-battle-composite.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c88cfcb
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-battle-composite.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-before-after.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-before-after.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6303e06
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-before-after.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-contact.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-contact.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c29616b
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-contact.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-debug-preview-battle-check.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-debug-preview-battle-check.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a4edf11
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-debug-preview-battle-check.png differ
diff --git a/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-report.md b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60ea38d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+# Cao Cao Handpainted Sprite v2
+
+- source: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-source-v1.png`
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- base partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 2319008
+- action partial alpha: 0, opaque pixels: 5617892
+- base frame border hits: 0
+- action frame border hits: 0
+- base empty frames: 0
+- action empty frames: 0
+- base bbox width range: 206..228
+- base bbox height range: 290..296
+- base bottom range: 303..303
+- action bbox width range: 186..252
+- action bbox height range: 270..296
+- action bottom range: 303..303
+- contact: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-contact.png`
+- animation: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-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-batch7-cao-cao-v2-scale-compare.png b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-scale-compare.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c1eb92
Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-scale-compare.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md b/docs/unit-sprite-art-quality-gate.md
index cb16feb..a99b419 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: 72
+- Approved baseline units: 73
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 19
+- Queued rework units: 18
 
 ## Checked Rules
 
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
index 623db41..fb3daf5 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.json
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
   "manifest": "docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json",
   "audit": "docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json",
   "approvedBaseline": [
+    "unit-cao-cao",
     "unit-guan-yu",
     "unit-liu-bei",
     "unit-meng-huo",
@@ -79,8 +80,8 @@
   "pendingApproval": [],
   "nextAfterApproval": [],
   "stageCounts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 72,
-    "queued-rework": 19
+    "approved-baseline": 73,
+    "queued-rework": 18
   },
   "batches": [
     {
@@ -1166,23 +1167,10 @@
       "label": "Batch 7 unique officers",
       "total": 19,
       "stageCounts": {
-        "queued-rework": 19
+        "approved-baseline": 1,
+        "queued-rework": 18
       },
       "units": [
-        {
-          "stem": "unit-cao-cao",
-          "reviewStage": "queued-rework",
-          "queueRole": "queued rework",
-          "baseStatus": "border-hits=64",
-          "actionStatus": "border-hits=144",
-          "battleBasePx": [
-            33.2,
-            43.3,
-            45.0,
-            46.0
-          ],
-          "spec": null
-        },
         {
           "stem": "unit-fa-zheng",
           "reviewStage": "queued-rework",
@@ -1434,6 +1422,20 @@
             44.9
           ],
           "spec": null
+        },
+        {
+          "stem": "unit-cao-cao",
+          "reviewStage": "approved-baseline",
+          "queueRole": "approved reference",
+          "baseStatus": "ok",
+          "actionStatus": "ok",
+          "battleBasePx": [
+            32.9,
+            36.4,
+            46.3,
+            47.3
+          ],
+          "spec": null
         }
       ]
     }
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
index e5c77f4..7ffbcd3 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-batch-queue.md
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ Use this as the long-running queue for the full hand-painted sprite rework. It i
 
 ## Current State
 
-- Approved baseline units: 72
+- Approved baseline units: 73
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 19
+- Queued rework units: 18
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 
@@ -157,11 +157,10 @@ No next unit is currently defined.
 
 - Batch key: `batch7-unique-officer`
 - Total units: 19
-- Stage counts: queued-rework 19
+- Stage counts: approved-baseline 1, queued-rework 18
 
 | unit | role | stage | status | battle base px | spec |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `unit-cao-cao` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=64; actions border-hits=144 | 33.2..43.3 x 45.0..46.0 |  |
 | `unit-fa-zheng` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=98 | 38.8..39.3 x 44.7..44.9 |  |
 | `unit-gong-zhi` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=82 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 |  |
 | `unit-huang-quan` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=82 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 |  |
@@ -180,3 +179,4 @@ No next unit is currently defined.
 | `unit-yi-ji` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=98 | 38.8..39.3 x 44.7..44.9 |  |
 | `unit-zhao-yun` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=64; actions border-hits=144 | 26.5..47.3 x 45.0..46.0 |  |
 | `unit-zhuge-liang` | queued rework | queued-rework | base border-hits=32; actions border-hits=98 | 38.8..39.3 x 44.7..44.9 |  |
+| `unit-cao-cao` | approved reference | approved-baseline | technical ok | 32.9..36.4 x 46.3..47.3 |  |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-cao-cao-v2-approval-packet.md b/docs/unit-sprite-cao-cao-v2-approval-packet.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6de67f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-cao-cao-v2-approval-packet.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# Cao Cao v2 Approval Packet
+
+- status: approved during continuous production run
+- unit: `unit-cao-cao`
+- source art: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-source-v1.png`
+- contact sheet: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-contact.png`
+- animation GIF: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-animation.gif`
+- before/after: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-before-after.png`
+- scale compare: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-scale-compare.png`
+- battle composite: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-battle-composite.png`
+- browser check: `handpaint-batch7-cao-cao-v2-debug-preview-battle-check.png`
+- current board: `unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png`
+- debug URL: `http://127.0.0.1:4173/heros_web/?debug&debugSpritePreview=unit-cao-cao&v=cao-cao-v2`
+
+## Visual Decision
+
+Approved for the continuous batch run. v2 reads as Cao Cao through dark iron armor, gold trim, a crimson cloak, and a compact command-sword silhouette. It is visually heavier than the generic Wei officer without borrowing Liu Bei's yellow robe, Guan Yu's polearm shape, or Zhang Fei's broad red-brown brawler profile.
+
+## Technical Checks
+
+- base status: ok
+- action status: ok
+- 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
+- battle scale from sample gate: 32.9..36.4 x 46.3..47.3
+- action battle scale from audit: 29.7..40.3 x 43.1..47.3
+- local build: passed
+- Local browser console errors: `0`
+- Local browser 404s: `0`
+
+## Notes
+
+v1 was rejected because the battle-scale body width was too narrow for a boss unit. v2 keeps the same source art but widens the assembled silhouette so the cloak and sword read clearly inside the 50px tactical tile.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png b/docs/unit-sprite-current-approval-board.png
index e2b08fb..1cbd934 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 eb3391a..551b511 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: 72
+- Approved baseline units: 73
 - Pending approval units: 0
-- Queued rework units: 19
+- Queued rework units: 18
 - Manifest: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json`
 - Audit: `docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json`
 - Current approval board: not generated until the next pending sample.
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-approved-and-pending.png
index 599dccc..9e504fe 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-batch7-unique-officer.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch7-unique-officer.png
index 869f7fd..2c2d7d5 100644
Binary files a/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch7-unique-officer.png and b/docs/unit-sprite-review-batch7-unique-officer.png differ
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png b/docs/unit-sprite-review-index.png
index eda1654..b214d3f 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 f636752..216daa6 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.json
@@ -11,13 +11,13 @@
     "batch7-unique-officer": 19
   },
   "stage_counts": {
-    "approved-baseline": 72,
-    "queued-rework": 19
+    "approved-baseline": 73,
+    "queued-rework": 18
   },
   "rows": [
     {
       "batch": "batch7-unique-officer",
-      "review_stage": "queued-rework",
+      "review_stage": "approved-baseline",
       "stem": "unit-cao-cao",
       "base": {
         "key": "unit-cao-cao",
@@ -27,23 +27,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 2291395,
-        "border_hits": 64,
-        "min_width": 208,
-        "max_width": 271,
-        "min_height": 282,
-        "max_height": 288,
-        "min_bottom": 281,
-        "max_bottom": 287,
+        "opaque_pixels": 2319008,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 206,
+        "max_width": 228,
+        "min_height": 290,
+        "max_height": 296,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 63,
+        "width_swing": 22,
         "height_swing": 6,
-        "bottom_swing": 6,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 33.2,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 43.3,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 45.0,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 46.0,
-        "status": "border-hits=64"
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 32.9,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 36.4,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 46.3,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.3,
+        "status": "ok"
       },
       "actions": {
         "key": "unit-cao-cao-actions",
@@ -53,23 +53,23 @@
           1252
         ],
         "partial_alpha": 0,
-        "opaque_pixels": 5125963,
-        "border_hits": 144,
-        "min_width": 208,
-        "max_width": 280,
-        "min_height": 275,
-        "max_height": 290,
-        "min_bottom": 274,
-        "max_bottom": 289,
+        "opaque_pixels": 5617892,
+        "border_hits": 0,
+        "min_width": 186,
+        "max_width": 252,
+        "min_height": 270,
+        "max_height": 296,
+        "min_bottom": 303,
+        "max_bottom": 303,
         "empty_frames": 0,
-        "width_swing": 72,
-        "height_swing": 15,
-        "bottom_swing": 15,
-        "battle_min_width_px": 33.2,
-        "battle_max_width_px": 44.7,
-        "battle_min_height_px": 43.9,
-        "battle_max_height_px": 46.3,
-        "status": "border-hits=144"
+        "width_swing": 66,
+        "height_swing": 26,
+        "bottom_swing": 0,
+        "battle_min_width_px": 29.7,
+        "battle_max_width_px": 40.3,
+        "battle_min_height_px": 43.1,
+        "battle_max_height_px": 47.3,
+        "status": "ok"
       }
     },
     {
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-audit.md
index acb1535..c482abd 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: 72
-- queued-rework: 19
+- approved-baseline: 73
+- queued-rework: 18
 
 ## Batch Plan
 
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ Visual review boards are generated by `scripts/render-unit-sprite-review-boards.
 
 | batch | stage | stem | base | actions | base bbox | action bbox | battle base px | motion swing |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| batch7-unique-officer | queued-rework | `unit-cao-cao` | border-hits=64 | border-hits=144 | 208..271 x 282..288 | 208..280 x 275..290 | 33.2..43.3 x 45.0..46.0 | w63 h6 b6 |
+| batch7-unique-officer | approved-baseline | `unit-cao-cao` | ok | ok | 206..228 x 290..296 | 186..252 x 270..296 | 32.9..36.4 x 46.3..47.3 | w22 h6 b0 |
 | batch7-unique-officer | queued-rework | `unit-fa-zheng` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=98 | 243..246 x 280..281 | 220..255 x 275..281 | 38.8..39.3 x 44.7..44.9 | w3 h1 b6 |
 | batch7-unique-officer | queued-rework | `unit-gong-zhi` | border-hits=32 | border-hits=82 | 200..254 x 279..279 | 200..263 x 275..279 | 31.9..40.6 x 44.6..44.6 | w54 h0 b6 |
 | batch1-approved-core | approved-baseline | `unit-guan-yu` | ok | ok | 190..270 x 276..291 | 172..296 x 171..289 | 30.4..43.1 x 44.1..46.5 | w80 h15 b4 |
diff --git a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
index a4a1d44..280ff5d 100644
--- a/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
+++ b/docs/unit-sprite-rework-manifest.json
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
     ]
   },
   "approvedBaseline": [
+    "unit-cao-cao",
     "unit-guan-yu",
     "unit-liu-bei",
     "unit-meng-huo",
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao-actions.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao-actions.png
index 4c81823..5935133 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao-actions.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao-actions.png differ
diff --git a/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao.png b/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao.png
index e6c6fe9..39c97eb 100644
Binary files a/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao.png and b/src/assets/images/units/unit-cao-cao.png differ