diff --git a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-implementation.md b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-implementation.md
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+# Dense Composite Parent Candidate Hardening Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** 让 `VFS8CBW2` 这类 dense fragmented page 稳定地产生 audit-visible `composite_parent_candidates`，而不改变 ordinary same-page arbitration、sidecar、persisted buckets 或 direct settlement paths。
+
+**Architecture:** 保持现有 atomic grouping 和 live `composite_parent` arbitration path 不动，只增强 Layer 2 candidate construction：把 unresolved visual mass 与 dense-page visual envelope 纳入 parent candidate 构造。这个 ticket 只解决“能不能看见 parent candidate”，不解决“最终谁赢”。
+
+**Tech Stack:** Python, `pytest`, PaperForge OCR pipeline (`paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`), live-paper audit corpus (`VFS8CBW2`, `2UIPV93M`, `3FDT9652`, `24YKLTHQ`).
+
+---
+
+## 1. Scope And Hard Boundaries
+
+This plan implements:
+
+- `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-design.md`
+
+It must remain inside these boundaries:
+
+1. Do **not** add or modify any `settlement_type`
+2. Do **not** change ordinary same-page arbitration precedence
+3. Do **not** modify sidecar behavior
+4. Do **not** widen `_cluster_semantic_page_assets()` thresholds
+5. Do **not** add literal label blacklists
+6. Do **not** rewrite panel-title suppression; you may only read already-existing suppression results
+7. Do **not** append dense parent candidates back into ordinary `candidate_groups`
+8. Do **not** change persisted bucket semantics (`matched_figures`, `ambiguous_figures`, `unresolved_clusters`, etc.)
+
+Success condition for this ticket:
+
+```text
+VFS8CBW2-class dense pages emit usable composite_parent_candidates,
+while ordinary pages do not regress into page-wide mega-merge.
+```
+
+---
+
+## 2. Files Expected To Change
+
+Primary implementation:
+
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+
+Primary tests:
+
+- Modify: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+Optional logging/doc update if findings materially sharpen strategy:
+
+- Modify: `PROJECT-MANAGEMENT.md`
+
+Real-paper verification targets:
+
+- `VFS8CBW2`
+- `2UIPV93M`
+- `3FDT9652`
+- `24YKLTHQ`
+
+---
+
+## 3. Task 0: Baseline Candidate Construction Audit
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: none
+- Verify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: none yet
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Record current dense-parent construction inputs**
+
+Read and enumerate the current candidate-construction sources around:
+
+```python
+_build_candidate_figure_groups_from_assets(...)
+_build_composite_parent_figure_groups_visual_only(...)
+```
+
+Record explicitly:
+
+1. whether unresolved clusters are currently visible to parent construction
+2. whether parent construction depends only on atomic groups
+3. whether panel-title suppression output is readable at this stage
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Capture current VFS8CBW2 failure signature**
+
+Run a lightweight inspection script or test helper showing, for pages `31/32/39/41`:
+
+```text
+matched_figures on page
+composite_parent_candidates on page
+unresolved_clusters on page
+```
+
+Expected baseline:
+
+```text
+composite_parent_candidates absent or insufficient on the worst dense pages
+```
+
+This step is evidence-only. No code changes.
+
+---
+
+## 4. Task 1: Write Failing Synthetic Dense-Candidate Tests
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Add a failing test for dense page parent candidate emission**
+
+Add a synthetic page with:
+
+1. one formal numbered figure caption
+2. multiple visual fragments (`>= 4`)
+3. one ordinary same-page local group that would only explain part of the page
+4. extra unresolved visual mass in the same visual envelope
+
+The test should assert:
+
+```python
+def test_dense_fragmented_page_emits_composite_parent_candidate() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import build_figure_inventory
+
+    blocks = [
+        # one numbered legend
+        # several figure-like fragments arranged as one composite page
+    ]
+
+    inv = build_figure_inventory(blocks)
+    dense_parents = [
+        p for p in inv.get("composite_parent_candidates", [])
+        if p.get("parent_subtype") == "dense_composite"
+    ]
+
+    assert dense_parents, "Dense fragmented page must emit a dense composite parent candidate"
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Add a failing ordinary-page guard test**
+
+Add a second synthetic page with two independent numbered figures and assert no page-wide dense parent is emitted:
+
+```python
+def test_ordinary_multi_figure_page_does_not_emit_dense_parent() -> None:
+    ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add a failing unresolved-cluster visibility test**
+
+Assert the parent candidate records `unresolved_cluster_ids` when unresolved visual mass participates:
+
+```python
+def test_dense_parent_candidate_records_unresolved_cluster_ids() -> None:
+    ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run the focused tests and confirm they fail for the right reason**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_parent_candidate" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+FAIL because current candidate construction does not emit or annotate dense composite parent candidates strongly enough
+```
+
+---
+
+## 5. Task 2: Strengthen Dense Candidate Construction Only
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Extend parent construction inputs without touching arbitration**
+
+Enhance `_build_composite_parent_figure_groups_visual_only(...)` so it can incorporate:
+
+1. atomic group envelopes
+2. unresolved-cluster envelopes
+3. dense-page fragment counts / compactness / grid-like structure
+
+Implementation rule:
+
+```text
+The function may return richer composite_parent candidates,
+but must not append to matched_figures, must not consume ownership,
+and must keep ownership_enabled = False.
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Add dense-page trigger gating**
+
+Only construct dense parent candidates when the page looks like a true dense composite page, using structural signals only.
+
+Minimum signals to encode:
+
+1. same-page numbered legend exists
+2. fragment count high enough
+3. unresolved / atomic fragments form compact local envelope
+4. candidate does not look like page-wide scatter
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add required candidate fields**
+
+Ensure emitted parent candidates carry at least:
+
+```python
+parent_subtype = "dense_composite"
+unresolved_cluster_ids = [...]
+fragment_count = ...
+atomic_child_count = ...
+unresolved_child_count = ...
+compactness = ...
+grid_score = ...
+construction_reason = [...]
+ownership_enabled = False
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the focused synthetic tests**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_parent_candidate" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+PASS
+```
+
+---
+
+## 6. Task 3: Real-Paper Verification
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: none unless test scaffolding is needed
+- Verify: live artifacts and/or real-paper regression tests
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Verify VFS8CBW2 emits dense parent candidates on hot pages**
+
+Use either fixture-backed replay or live artifact inspection to confirm pages `31/32/39/41` now contain non-empty `composite_parent_candidates`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify 2UIPV93M does not regress**
+
+Confirm page 18 still keeps:
+
+```text
+图3 = same_page
+图4 = composite_parent
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Verify ordinary papers do not page-merge**
+
+Check at least:
+
+1. `3FDT9652`
+2. `24YKLTHQ`
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+No new page-wide mega-merge behavior
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Run the focused verification commands**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_parent_candidate or composite_parent" -v --tb=short
+python -m paperforge --vault "D:/L/OB/Literature-hub" ocr rebuild VFS8CBW2
+python -m paperforge --vault "D:/L/OB/Literature-hub" ocr rebuild 2UIPV93M
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+VFS8CBW2 gains visible composite_parent_candidates on dense pages
+2UIPV93M remains stable
+```
+
+---
+
+## 7. Task 4: Logging And Stop Check
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `PROJECT-MANAGEMENT.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Record what changed and what did not**
+
+Add one entry documenting:
+
+1. the dense candidate-construction gap
+2. the visual-only parent candidate hardening
+3. that this ticket did **not** change arbitration precedence or sidecar
+4. which real papers were used as success / guardrail checks
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Explicitly record stop-condition outcome**
+
+Log whether any of these happened:
+
+1. atomic grouping thresholds widened
+2. new settlement path introduced
+3. sidecar changed
+4. bucket semantics changed
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+all remain unchanged
+```
+
+---
+
+## 8. Self-Review Of Plan Against Spec
+
+Coverage check:
+
+1. Candidate construction only, not arbitration: covered by Tasks 0/2
+2. Keep separate from ordinary `candidate_groups`: covered by Task 2 constraints
+3. Use unresolved visual mass as input: covered by Task 1/2/3
+4. Ordinary pages must stay stable: covered by Task 1 guard + Task 3 real-paper checks
+5. No sidecar / bucket / settlement path rewrite: enforced in Scope And Hard Boundaries and Task 4 stop check
+
+Placeholder scan:
+
+1. No `TODO` / `TBD`
+2. All test additions name concrete assertions
+3. All verification steps include explicit commands
+
+Type consistency:
+
+1. Candidate subtype name fixed as `parent_subtype = "dense_composite"`
+2. Candidate remains `group_type = "composite_parent"`
+3. `ownership_enabled = False` preserved throughout the plan
+
+No spec gap remains for this narrow ticket.
+
+---
+
+## 9. Execution Recommendation
+
+This is already a small, executable ticket.
+
+Recommended execution mode:
+
+**1. Subagent-Driven (recommended)**
+- one implementer
+- one spec-boundary reviewer
+- one code-quality reviewer
+
+Do **not** combine this ticket with panel-title suppression changes, sidecar changes, or dense arbitration rollout.
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-implementation.md b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-implementation.md
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+# Figure Ownership Arbitration Convergence Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Converge OCR-v2 figure ownership onto a single arbitration model so dense composite, panel-title, sidecar, and sequence-shell cases stop adding new direct settlement behavior.
+
+**Architecture:** Keep the current OCR-v2 figure pipeline and persisted inventory buckets, but add an internal convergence layer: caption evidence normalization, candidate-source normalization, page-level arbitration metadata, and accounting semantics. This plan does not replace the previously approved visual-grammar roadmap; it constrains how the next `P1B/P2/health`-class work is implemented.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Python, `pytest`, PaperForge OCR pipeline (`paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`, `ocr_figure_reader.py`, `ocr_render.py`), existing real-paper audit fixtures and live-paper regression corpus.
+
+---
+
+## 1. Scope And Relationship To Existing Roadmap
+
+This plan implements the architecture constraints defined in:
+
+- `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md`
+
+This plan does **not** replace:
+
+- `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-ocr-visual-grammar-hardening-design.md`
+- `docs/superpowers/plans/2026-06-23-ocr-visual-grammar-hardening-implementation.md`
+
+Instead, it adds the missing convergence layer so later `P1B`/`P2`/accounting work cannot keep growing by direct fallback path.
+
+This is a **convergence scaffolding plan first**.
+
+Rule:
+
+```text
+It must not implement dense parent ownership arbitration unless P1A/P1B visual grammar foundations are already landed and explicitly verified.
+```
+
+Hard rules for this plan:
+
+1. Do not create a new direct `settlement_type` path.
+2. Do not remove existing persisted inventory buckets in this pass.
+3. Do not widen atomic semantic grouping thresholds in `_cluster_semantic_page_assets()`.
+4. Do not hardcode paper ids, page ids, or literal short labels such as `RND` / `COL II`.
+5. Do not let `sequence_match` without real asset payload remain in `matched_figures`.
+6. Treat dense composite as a subtype of `composite_parent`, not a parallel matcher family.
+7. `Task 4`, `Task 5`, and `Task 7` are gated tasks and may not run unless `P1A` diagnostic-only composite-parent candidates already exist on the target branch.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Files Expected To Change
+
+Primary implementation files:
+
+- `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- `paperforge/worker/ocr_figure_reader.py`
+- `paperforge/worker/ocr_render.py` (only if accounting labels need render-safe treatment)
+
+Primary tests:
+
+- `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+- `tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py`
+- `tests/test_ocr_render.py`
+
+Reference docs/logging:
+
+- `PROJECT-MANAGEMENT.md`
+- `project/current/ocr-v2-generalization-boundary.md` (read for context only unless the implementation changes strategic conclusions)
+
+Real-paper validation targets:
+
+- `VFS8CBW2`
+- `6FGDBFQN`
+- `2UIPV93M`
+- `RKSLQRIM`
+
+---
+
+## 3. Task 0: Baseline Convergence Inventory
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: none
+- Verify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`, `tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py`, `tests/test_ocr_render.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Record current settlement producers**
+
+Inspect and list every code site that appends to `matched_figures` or emits match-like states in `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`.
+
+Expected producer list should include current landed producers.
+
+If `composite_parent` is not yet a live producer on the branch, record it as a planned candidate source rather than as a missing baseline seam.
+
+Typical producer list may include:
+
+```python
+same_page
+composite_parent
+sidecar
+cross_page_backward
+cross_page_forward
+legend_bundle
+group_sequential
+sequential
+sequence_match
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Record current bucket semantics**
+
+Write down the active persisted buckets and where they are consumed:
+
+```python
+matched_figures
+ambiguous_figures
+held_figures
+unmatched_legends
+unmatched_assets
+rejected_legends
+unresolved_clusters
+```
+
+Verify reader/render assumptions before making any internal convergence change.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Run baseline tests before changes**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py tests/test_ocr_render.py -q
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+current baseline remains green before convergence changes begin
+```
+
+---
+
+## 4. Task 1: OwnershipDecision Adapter Layer
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for internal-to-persisted mapping**
+
+Add focused tests asserting that internal ownership-decision metadata can be attached to existing persisted entries without replacing current bucket semantics.
+
+Tests must use public registry APIs rather than direct mutation of `registry.asset_states`.
+
+Use tests shaped like:
+
+```python
+def test_ownership_decision_metadata_attaches_without_replacing_buckets() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import _ownership_decision_metadata
+
+    meta = _ownership_decision_metadata(
+        "provisional",
+        "same_page_partial",
+        strong=False,
+        reason="dense_page_leftovers",
+    )
+
+    assert meta["ownership_decision"] == "provisional"
+    assert meta["decision_provenance"] == "same_page_partial"
+    assert meta["strong_ownership"] is False
+    assert meta["decision_reason"] == "dense_page_leftovers"
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the new mapping test to confirm failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "ownership_decision_metadata" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+FAIL because the helper does not exist yet
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Add minimal adapter helpers**
+
+In `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`, add a minimal internal metadata helper like:
+
+```python
+def _ownership_decision_metadata(decision: str, provenance: str, *, strong: bool, reason: str = "") -> dict:
+    return {
+        "ownership_decision": decision,
+        "decision_provenance": provenance,
+        "strong_ownership": strong,
+        "decision_reason": reason,
+    }
+```
+
+Do **not** introduce new persisted buckets in this task.
+Do **not** remove current bucket writes in this task.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the focused tests**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "ownership_decision_metadata" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+PASS
+```
+
+---
+
+## 5. Task 2: Provisional Soft Reservation Semantics
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for provisional reservation behavior**
+
+Add tests asserting that provisional ownership blocks legacy fallback consumption during arbitration but may still be superseded by a stronger candidate.
+
+Use tests shaped like:
+
+```python
+def test_provisional_reservation_blocks_legacy_fallback() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import FigureOwnershipRegistry
+
+    registry = FigureOwnershipRegistry()
+    registry.soft_reserve_assets([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_1", reason="partial_dense_local")
+
+    assert registry.can_consume_assets([(1, "a1")]) is False
+
+
+def test_soft_reservation_does_not_update_final_used_sets_until_finalized() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import FigureOwnershipRegistry
+
+    registry = FigureOwnershipRegistry()
+    registry.soft_reserve_assets([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_1", reason="partial_dense_local")
+
+    assert (1, "a1") not in registry.used_asset_page_ids
+
+
+def test_release_soft_reservation_reopens_assets_for_fallback() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import FigureOwnershipRegistry
+
+    registry = FigureOwnershipRegistry()
+    registry.soft_reserve_assets([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_1", reason="partial_dense_local")
+    registry.release_soft_reservation([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_1")
+
+    assert registry.can_consume_assets([(1, "a1")]) is True
+
+
+def test_stronger_candidate_may_supersede_soft_reservation() -> None:
+    from paperforge.worker.ocr_figures import FigureOwnershipRegistry
+
+    registry = FigureOwnershipRegistry()
+    registry.soft_reserve_assets([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_1", reason="partial_dense_local")
+    registry.finalize_soft_reservation([(1, "a1")], owner_id="legend_2", owner_family="figure")
+
+    assert registry.asset_states[(1, "a1")]["owner_id"] == "legend_2"
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the provisional tests to verify failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "provisional_reservation or soft_reservation" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected: fail because `soft_reserved` semantics do not exist yet.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Implement minimal soft reservation support**
+
+Extend `FigureOwnershipRegistry` in `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py` with the smallest safe additions:
+
+```python
+def soft_reserve_assets(self, asset_ids: list[tuple[int, str]], *, owner_id: str, reason: str) -> None:
+    ...
+
+def finalize_soft_reservation(self, asset_ids: list[tuple[int, str]], *, owner_id: str, owner_family: str) -> None:
+    ...
+
+def release_soft_reservation(self, asset_ids: list[tuple[int, str]], *, owner_id: str) -> None:
+    ...
+```
+
+Constraint:
+
+```text
+soft reservations are internal arbitration state only; they must not directly emit matched_figures entries
+soft reservations must not update final used sets until finalized
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the provisional tests**
+
+Run the same command and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Task 3: Panel-Title Suppression As Structural Demotion
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for structural panel-title suppression**
+
+Add tests for the exact contract from the spec:
+
+```python
+def test_short_unnumbered_in_figure_text_does_not_compete_with_numbered_caption() -> None:
+    inventory = build_figure_inventory([...])
+    assert all(
+        h.get("legend_block_id") != "panel_title_1"
+        for h in inventory["local_pairing_hypotheses"]
+    )
+
+
+def test_suppressed_panel_title_remains_embedded_not_body() -> None:
+    inventory = build_figure_inventory([...])
+    # Assert it is still represented as figure-internal evidence, not lost.
+```
+
+Use synthetic text such as `RND` / `COL II` only as test fixtures, not as implementation literals.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the suppression tests to verify failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "panel_title or embedded_figure_text" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected: fail because no formal suppression layer exists yet.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Implement structural demotion only**
+
+Add a helper in `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py` such as:
+
+```python
+def _should_suppress_panel_title_candidate(block: dict, *, page_has_numbered_legend: bool, visual_envelopes: list[dict]) -> bool:
+    ...
+```
+
+Rules:
+
+1. no numbered marker
+2. short text span
+3. inside likely figure visual envelope
+4. same page already has a strong numbered figure caption
+5. no literal string blacklist
+
+Input requirement:
+
+```text
+`visual_envelopes` must come from a visual-only prepass.
+```
+
+Allowed sources:
+
+1. atomic group envelopes
+2. diagnostic composite-parent envelopes if `P1A` already exists
+
+Forbidden source:
+
+```text
+caption text identity must not define the visual envelope
+```
+
+Output behavior:
+
+```text
+demote from formal matching
+retain as in-figure / embedded text evidence
+never promote into body paragraphs
+```
+
+Add an audit-visible surface such as:
+
+```python
+inventory["suppressed_caption_candidates"] = [
+    {
+        "block_id": "...",
+        "suppression_reason": "panel_title_inside_visual_envelope",
+        "retained_as": "embedded_figure_text",
+    }
+]
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the suppression tests**
+
+Run the same test slice and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 7. Task 4: Dense Composite Parent Candidate Normalization
+
+**Gate:** This task may only run if `P1A` diagnostic-only composite-parent candidates already exist on the branch.
+
+If they do not exist, stop and execute the `P1A` visual-grammar roadmap task first.
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for dense parent as a composite-parent subtype**
+
+Add tests that enforce the spec’s subtype rule:
+
+```python
+def test_dense_parent_candidate_is_composite_parent_subtype() -> None:
+    candidate = _build_dense_parent_candidate_fixture(...)
+    assert candidate["group_type"] == "composite_parent"
+    assert candidate["parent_subtype"] == "dense_composite"
+
+
+def test_dense_parent_candidate_not_appended_into_ordinary_candidate_groups() -> None:
+    inventory = build_figure_inventory([...])
+    assert all(g.get("group_type") != "dense_composite_parent" for g in inventory.get("candidate_groups", []))
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the dense parent tests to verify failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_parent_candidate or composite_parent_subtype" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected: fail because subtype normalization is not explicit yet.
+
+Rule:
+
+```text
+This task may normalize existing parent candidate schema, but must not secretly implement parent generation if none exists.
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Normalize dense parent candidate schema**
+
+Adjust parent candidate generation in `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py` so dense composite candidates are represented as:
+
+```python
+{
+    "group_type": "composite_parent",
+    "parent_subtype": "dense_composite",
+    ...
+}
+```
+
+Do not add a new settlement path.
+Do not append them into the ordinary atomic `candidate_groups` stream.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run dense parent tests**
+
+Run the same test slice and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 8. Task 5: Trigger/Scoring Separation For Dense Pages
+
+**Gate:** This task may only run after `P1A` diagnostic-only composite-parent candidates already exist and Task 4 schema normalization is complete.
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for construction-time vs arbitration-time signals**
+
+Add tests that enforce:
+
+```text
+construction-time candidate generation may not require already-built unresolved buckets
+arbitration-time scoring may use coverage gain / leftover mass
+```
+
+Example test shape:
+
+```python
+def test_dense_parent_candidate_can_be_constructed_from_visual_fragment_count_only() -> None:
+    ...
+
+
+def test_dense_parent_arbitration_uses_leftover_mass_to_outrank_partial_same_page() -> None:
+    ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the trigger/scoring tests to confirm failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_parent_arbitration or leftover_mass" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Separate the two phases in code**
+
+Refactor the parent logic into two helpers in `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`:
+
+```python
+def _build_dense_composite_parent_candidates(...):
+    ...  # visual-only, construction-time
+
+
+def _score_dense_parent_candidate_against_local_ownership(...):
+    ...  # arbitration-time, may consider coverage gain and unresolved reduction
+```
+
+Do not allow the build helper to depend on already-finalized unresolved buckets.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the trigger/scoring tests**
+
+Run the same slice and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 9. Task 6: Unified Sequence-Shell Accounting
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`, `paperforge/worker/ocr_figure_reader.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py`, `tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py`, maybe `tests/test_ocr_render.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing tests for assetless shell demotion**
+
+Add tests shaped like:
+
+```python
+def test_assetless_sequence_shell_not_emitted_to_matched_figures() -> None:
+    inventory = _promote_sequence_matches({...}, blocks=[])
+    assert all(m.get("settlement_type") != "sequence_match" for m in inventory["matched_figures"])
+
+
+def test_assetless_sequence_shell_emits_ambiguous_hold_reason() -> None:
+    inventory = _promote_sequence_matches({...}, blocks=[])
+    assert any(a.get("hold_reason") == "assetless_sequence_shell" for a in inventory["ambiguous_figures"])
+```
+
+If the current branch already keeps assetless sequence shells out of `matched_figures`, do not force a behavior rewrite.
+Use this task to add explicit shell labeling and accounting only.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the sequence-shell tests to verify failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py -k "assetless_sequence_shell or sequence_match" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Demote shell outcomes without payload**
+
+In `_promote_sequence_matches(...)`, enforce:
+
+```text
+no asset payload -> stay out of matched_figures
+emit shell status into ambiguous/diagnostic surface instead
+do not increment official_figure_count
+```
+
+Update reader handling only as needed so this new shell state remains render-safe and audit-visible.
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run the sequence-shell tests**
+
+Run the same slice and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 10. Task 7: VFS8CBW2-Class Dense Page Arbitration Regression
+
+**Gate:** This is behavior-changing dense arbitration work and must be executed as a separate follow-up ticket.
+
+Preconditions:
+
+1. `P1A` diagnostic-only parent candidates are already stable
+2. Task 1 metadata exists
+3. Task 2 soft reservations exist
+4. Task 4 and Task 5 have landed
+
+If those conditions are not met, stop here.
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `paperforge/worker/ocr_figures.py`
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_figures.py` and real-paper validations
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Write failing synthetic dense-page arbitration tests**
+
+Add the minimum family regressions:
+
+```python
+def test_dense_composite_parent_collects_large_fragment_set() -> None:
+    ...
+
+
+def test_dense_parent_does_not_swallow_neighboring_ordinary_figure() -> None:
+    ...
+
+
+def test_partial_same_page_claim_becomes_provisional_when_large_same_zone_leftovers_remain() -> None:
+    ...
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run the synthetic dense-page tests to verify failure**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py -k "dense_composite or provisional_when_large_leftovers" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Implement the arbitration rule, not a new settlement path**
+
+Update same-page + parent arbitration flow so:
+
+```text
+partial local same-page ownership on dense pages is provisional
+strong dense composite parent may outrank it if safe
+the final accepted output still lands in existing matched_figures bucket
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Re-run synthetic dense-page tests**
+
+Run the same slice and confirm green.
+
+---
+
+## 11. Task 8: Real-Paper Validation
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: none unless a narrowly justified follow-up is required
+- Test: `tests/test_ocr_real_paper_regressions.py`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Run focused real-paper validation for capability families**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_real_paper_regressions.py -k "VFS8CBW2 or 6FGDBFQN or 2UIPV93M" -v --tb=short
+```
+
+Expected:
+
+```text
+no regression on 2UIPV93M scoped arbitration
+no regression on 6FGDBFQN mixed grammar
+VFS8CBW2 improves or at minimum stops overstating ownership via shell matches
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Run core figure stack verification**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m pytest tests/test_ocr_figures.py tests/test_ocr_figure_reader.py tests/test_ocr_render.py -q
+```
+
+Expected: green.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Rebuild one live paper only after tests are green**
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+python -m paperforge --vault "D:/L/OB/Literature-hub" ocr rebuild VFS8CBW2
+```
+
+Expected manual checks afterward:
+
+```text
+fewer unresolved clusters on representative dense pages
+panel-title blocks no longer compete as formal captions
+no assetless sequence shell counted as strong match
+```
+
+---
+
+## 12. Task 9: Documentation And Logging
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `PROJECT-MANAGEMENT.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Add a convergence entry after the code is verified**
+
+Document:
+
+```text
+problem
+root cause
+fix
+result
+tests
+```
+
+Mention explicitly that this plan added convergence constraints rather than a new one-paper path.
+
+---
+
+## 13. Self-Review Against Spec
+
+Coverage check:
+
+1. OwnershipDecision adapter/mapping -> Task 1
+2. provisional soft reservation semantics -> Task 2
+3. panel-title suppression -> Task 3
+4. dense parent as composite-parent subtype -> Task 4
+5. trigger/scoring separation -> Task 5
+6. assetless sequence-shell demotion -> Task 6
+7. unified dense-page arbitration -> Task 7
+8. relationship to existing roadmap -> enforced in Scope and Task constraints
+
+Placeholder scan:
+
+1. No `TBD` / `TODO`
+2. Every task has exact file targets and commands
+3. No step says “similar to previous task”
+
+Type consistency check:
+
+1. `ownership_decision` is internal metadata, not a replacement bucket
+2. `composite_parent` remains the parent family; `dense_composite` is subtype only
+3. `assetless_sequence_shell` is not allowed into `matched_figures`
+
+---
+
+## 14. Execution Recommendation
+
+This plan should be executed in **small tickets**, not as one uninterrupted rewrite.
+
+Suggested ticket order:
+
+1. `Ticket A: Task 0 + Task 1 + Task 2 + Task 6`
+2. `Ticket B: Task 3`
+3. `Ticket C: Task 4 + Task 5` (only if `P1A` already exists)
+4. `Ticket D: Task 7` (separate behavior-changing follow-up)
+5. `Ticket E: Task 8 + Task 9`
+
+This keeps the convergence work measurable and reversible.
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-design.md b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-design.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..74f8aadf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-dense-composite-parent-candidate-hardening-design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,381 @@
+# Dense Composite Parent Candidate Hardening Design
+
+> **Date:** 2026-06-23
+> **Status:** Proposed
+> **Scope:** 只增强 dense composite page 上的 `composite_parent` 候选构造能力，不改变 ordinary same-page arbitration、sidecar 路径、persisted bucket 契约，也不引入新的 direct settlement path。
+
+---
+
+## 1. 为什么要单独开这个 spec
+
+当前分支里的 `composite_parent` 已经不是纯诊断 seam，而是一个**真实参与 ownership 的 producer**。
+
+证据已经很清楚：
+
+1. `2UIPV93M` page 18 已经能产出 `settlement_type="composite_parent"`
+2. `VFS8CBW2` page 31/32/39/41 则完全产不出可用 parent candidate
+3. 因而当前瓶颈不是 arbitration 是否允许 parent 胜出，而是：
+
+```text
+dense fragmented page 上，parent candidate 根本没有被稳定构造出来
+```
+
+所以这里必须先把问题切窄：
+
+```text
+先修 candidate construction
+再谈 parent arbitration
+```
+
+这个 spec 的目标不是解决全部 `VFS8CBW2` ownership，而是先让系统在这类页面上**看见**候选 parent。
+
+---
+
+## 2. 当前问题的真实形态
+
+`VFS8CBW2` 暴露的是下面这条链：
+
+```text
+一个大 composite figure
+-> 被拆成很多 media_asset / figure_asset / panel-title text
+-> ordinary local matcher 只抓住一小块
+-> 大量剩余碎片变成 unresolved_clusters
+-> 个别 caption 再被 sequence_match 壳子补编号
+```
+
+这不是 sidecar overwrite 主导的问题。
+
+这也不是单纯 Chinese / OCR 文本识别问题。
+
+这是一个更具体的 candidate-generation 缺口：
+
+```text
+系统现在能稳定构造 atomic groups
+但不能在 dense composite page 上把这些 fragments 提升成 scoped parent candidate
+```
+
+---
+
+## 3. 本 spec 不做什么
+
+为了防止又长出新的 ad hoc path，这个 spec 明确排除以下内容：
+
+1. **不** 新增 `settlement_type`
+2. **不** 改 sidecar 逻辑
+3. **不** 改 current persisted buckets（`matched_figures` / `ambiguous_figures` / `unresolved_clusters` 等）
+4. **不** 通过放宽 `_cluster_semantic_page_assets()` 阈值来把整页直接 mega-merge
+5. **不** 用 paper id / page id / literal string 黑名单硬编码 `VFS8CBW2`
+6. **不** 在这一轮直接重排 parent vs ordinary same-page arbitration
+7. **不** 把 dense parent candidate 塞回 ordinary `candidate_groups`
+
+一句话：
+
+```text
+这里只增强“能不能构造出 parent candidate”，不增强“谁最后赢”。
+```
+
+---
+
+## 4. 与现有架构的关系
+
+本 spec 必须服从两份上游文档：
+
+1. `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-ocr-visual-grammar-hardening-design.md`
+2. `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md`
+
+关系如下：
+
+### 4.1 对 visual-grammar hardening 的位置
+
+它相当于把原先 `P1A` 里“diagnostic-only composite parent detector”这件事切得更具体。
+
+也就是说：
+
+```text
+这不是新的大路线
+而是对 P1A 的一次收窄和落地约束
+```
+
+### 4.2 对 convergence 的位置
+
+它属于 Layer 2 candidate generation，而不是 Layer 3 arbitration。
+
+因此必须满足 convergence 约束：
+
+1. visual-only construction
+2. separate from ordinary `candidate_groups`
+3. dense parent 作为 `composite_parent` 的 subtype，而不是新 family
+
+允许的表达方式仍然是：
+
+```python
+{
+    "group_type": "composite_parent",
+    "parent_subtype": "dense_composite",
+    ...
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## 5. 设计目标
+
+本轮只追求三个目标：
+
+### 5.1 让 dense page 稳定地产生 parent candidate
+
+对于 `VFS8CBW2` 这类页面，系统应该至少能产出 audit-visible 的 `composite_parent_candidates`，而不是完全没有 parent candidate。
+
+### 5.2 不伤 ordinary page
+
+普通双图页、普通 caption-below 页、已经稳定的 same-page figure 页，不应因为这次增强而被错误合并。
+
+### 5.3 给后续 arbitration 提供可用输入
+
+候选需要包含足够的信息，让后续阶段判断：
+
+1. coverage 是否显著提升
+2. 是否跨越别的 numbered caption boundary
+3. 是否只是 page-wide scatter 而不是 scoped composite
+
+---
+
+## 6. 新的 candidate construction 思路
+
+### 6.1 不改变 atomic grouping 的职责
+
+`atomic semantic groups` 继续保持“局部视觉事实”的角色。
+
+它的职责是：
+
+```text
+我能确定哪些小块在局部上属于一起
+```
+
+它**不**负责：
+
+```text
+整页 dense composite parent 的最终组织
+```
+
+所以本 spec 不允许把 dense-page 需求反向压回 atomic grouping 阈值。
+
+### 6.2 dense parent candidate 的输入
+
+构造输入允许来自：
+
+1. existing atomic `candidate_groups`
+2. 同页 `unresolved_clusters` 的几何信息
+3. 同页 figure-like assets 的 envelope statistics
+4. 同页 structured blocks 中的正文/表格/section interruption 信息
+
+不允许作为 construction-time 输入的：
+
+1. caption 文本编号本身
+2. legend 文本语义
+3. arbitration 之后才知道的 coverage truth
+
+### 6.3 dense page trigger
+
+只有页面满足下列条件时，才进入 dense parent candidate construction：
+
+1. 同页存在至少一个 formal numbered figure caption
+2. 同页 figure-like visual fragments 数量较高，例如 `>= 4`
+3. 同页 atomic groups + unresolved clusters 共同显示出明显碎片化
+4. 这些 fragments 在局部包络内足够紧凑，而不是整页散落
+
+目标是区分：
+
+```text
+true dense composite page
+vs
+ordinary multi-figure page
+```
+
+---
+
+## 7. Dense Parent Candidate Contract
+
+本轮生成的 candidate 至少要带这些字段：
+
+```python
+{
+    "group_id": str,
+    "group_type": "composite_parent",
+    "parent_subtype": "dense_composite",
+    "page": int,
+    "child_group_ids": list[str],
+    "unresolved_cluster_ids": list[str],
+    "asset_block_ids": list[str],
+    "embedded_text_block_ids": list[str],
+    "cluster_bbox": list[float],
+    "fragment_count": int,
+    "atomic_child_count": int,
+    "unresolved_child_count": int,
+    "visual_mass": float,
+    "compactness": float,
+    "grid_score": float,
+    "construction_reason": list[str],
+    "crosses_caption_boundary": bool,
+    "ownership_enabled": False,
+}
+```
+
+说明：
+
+### 7.1 `ownership_enabled` 必须继续为 `False`
+
+因为这一轮只解决 candidate construction，不直接把它升级成更激进的 live arbitration。
+
+### 7.2 `unresolved_cluster_ids` 必须显式记录
+
+这是本轮最重要的新信息之一。
+
+如果一个 dense parent candidate 无法说明自己吸收了哪些 unresolved visual mass，那么它对后续 arbitration 的价值就不够。
+
+### 7.3 `embedded_text_block_ids` 先允许为空
+
+这一轮不要求彻底解决 panel-title suppression 与 parent consumption 的绑定。
+但 contract 上要给这个槽位留出来，避免后面又生出并行结构。
+
+---
+
+## 8. Construction-Time Scoring Signals
+
+这里说的是**构造候选时**可以使用的视觉信号，不是最终 arbitration score。
+
+允许信号：
+
+1. fragment count
+2. unresolved child count
+3. bbox compactness
+4. row/column grid regularity
+5. child bbox size similarity
+6. page-local visual mass density
+7. body/table interruption absence
+
+禁止信号：
+
+1. caption 文本内容
+2. “这个 caption 解释得好不好”
+3. same-page ownership 之后剩多少已确认 solved mass
+
+原因很简单：
+
+```text
+这一层必须仍然是 visual-only construction
+```
+
+---
+
+## 9. 与 panel-title suppression 的边界
+
+panel-title suppression 是支持性约束，但不是本 spec 的主修复，也不是这个 ticket 的实现目标。
+
+本 spec 只要求 candidate construction **能够容忍** 这些短文本存在，而不是依赖 suppression 先彻底清空页面。
+
+实现边界：
+
+```text
+本 ticket 可以读取已经存在的 suppression 结果，
+但不得为了让 dense parent candidate 通过而新增或重写 suppression 规则。
+```
+
+因此这里的边界是：
+
+1. dense parent construction 不应因为存在短 panel-title text 就完全失效
+2. 若页面同时存在 numbered legend 与短 panel-title candidates，dense parent construction 仍应依据 visual fragments / unresolved clusters 自身成立
+3. suppression 负责减少 caption 竞争；parent construction 负责恢复 visual object
+
+换句话说：
+
+```text
+suppression 是减噪
+parent construction 是补 object
+```
+
+两者不要互相替代。
+
+---
+
+## 10. 成功标准
+
+这轮不要求直接“解决 VFS8CBW2 所有 ownership”。
+
+它的成功标准应该更窄：
+
+### 10.1 候选可见性
+
+`VFS8CBW2` page 31/32/39/41 这类 dense composite pages 上，`figure_inventory` 中必须能看到 audit-visible 的 `composite_parent_candidates`，而不是空。
+
+### 10.2 不污染 ordinary pages
+
+`2UIPV93M`、`3FDT9652`、`24YKLTHQ` 这类当前已部分稳定的普通/混合页面，不能因为 dense parent construction 扩张而出现 page-wide mega-merge。
+
+### 10.3 unresolved mass 纳入 parent 候选视野
+
+候选必须明确吸收部分 unresolved cluster 作为 parent construction input，而不是继续只盯着已成形 atomic groups。
+
+### 10.4 不新增 settlement path
+
+任何结果都仍然应该通过现有 arbitration/ownership path 落地，而不是偷偷长出 `dense_parent_settlement` 或类似新分支。
+
+---
+
+## 11. 最低测试要求
+
+至少应覆盖下面几类：
+
+1. `dense page emits composite parent candidates`
+   - dense multi-panel synthetic page
+   - ordinary local same-page matcher只能抓到部分
+   - 仍应产生 `composite_parent_candidates`
+
+2. `ordinary multi-figure page does not emit page-wide parent`
+   - 两个独立 numbered figures 同页
+   - 不得因为 fragment 数量上来就误造 dense parent
+
+3. `dense candidate may include unresolved cluster ids`
+   - unresolved visual mass 必须进入 candidate contract
+
+4. `panel-title noise does not prevent candidate construction`
+   - 即使同页有短 panel-title-like text，candidate 仍可构造
+   - 这里测试的是 candidate construction 的鲁棒性，不是 suppression 新行为
+
+5. `current working paper remains stable`
+   - 至少校验 `2UIPV93M` page 18 不回退
+
+---
+
+## 12. Stop Condition
+
+如果实现过程中发现必须做下面任何一件事，说明 scope 已经越界：
+
+1. 放宽 atomic grouping 阈值去吞整页
+2. 引入新的 direct settlement type
+3. 依赖 literal label blacklist
+4. 必须重写 sidecar
+5. 必须重排 entire arbitration precedence
+
+一旦出现这些信号，应停止实现，回到上层 spec/plan 重新切分。
+
+---
+
+## 13. 结论
+
+当前分支的 `composite_parent` 不是不存在，而是：
+
+```text
+已经 live
+但 candidate construction 对 dense fragmented pages 还不够强
+```
+
+因此下一步不应直接做更大的 dense arbitration rollout，
+而应先完成：
+
+```text
+dense composite parent candidate hardening
+```
+
+把 `VFS8CBW2` 这类页面从“根本看不见 parent”推进到“至少稳定地产生可审计 parent candidate”，
+后续再谈谁在 arbitration 里最终胜出。
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md
index 94891b40..27b74f35 100644
--- a/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md
+++ b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-23-figure-ownership-arbitration-convergence-design.md
@@ -139,6 +139,27 @@ rejected
 `settlement_type` may continue to exist as provenance.
 It must no longer be treated as equivalent to truth strength.
 
+### 4.2.1 OwnershipDecision is internal before bucket migration
+
+In the first convergence pass, `OwnershipDecision` is an internal arbitration result.
+It does **not** replace the persisted inventory buckets immediately.
+
+Required mapping:
+
+```text
+accepted -> matched_figures
+provisional -> ambiguous_figures (or a future provisional audit surface), but not strong solved ownership
+unresolved -> unresolved_clusters / unmatched_assets / unmatched_legends depending on object type
+rejected -> rejected_legends / rejected_candidates
+```
+
+Phase-1 rule:
+
+```text
+The system may add `ownership_decision` or equivalent metadata onto existing entries,
+but it must not remove the current persisted buckets until reader/render/health/object consumers are migrated.
+```
+
 ### 4.3 Partial local ownership is not automatically protected
 
 Any same-page result that only explains a small subset of the local visual mass on a dense page is not automatically strong ownership.
@@ -151,6 +172,21 @@ provisional
 
 until arbitration confirms it is the best ownership explanation.
 
+### 4.3.1 Provisional ownership uses soft reservation semantics
+
+`provisional` must have explicit reservation behavior.
+Otherwise it either blocks stronger repair paths too early or remains too weak to prevent duplicate fallback consumption.
+
+Required semantics:
+
+```text
+provisional candidates may place soft reservations during arbitration
+soft reservations block legacy fallback from consuming the same assets during the arbitration window
+soft reservations may be superseded by a stronger candidate before finalization
+only accepted decisions finalize ownership into matched_figures truth
+rejected or unresolved outcomes must release or downgrade the reservation according to the audit policy
+```
+
 ### 4.4 Assetless sequence shells are not solved matches
 
 If a `sequence_match` has no real asset payload, it is not a real ownership win.
@@ -158,6 +194,22 @@ If a `sequence_match` has no real asset payload, it is not a real ownership win.
 It may be visible as a shell outcome for traceability.
 It must not count as a strong solved match in audit or health reporting.
 
+Required output rule:
+
+```text
+assetless sequence shells must not be emitted into matched_figures
+```
+
+They may instead appear as:
+
+1. `ambiguous_figures` with `hold_reason = "assetless_sequence_shell"`
+2. a separate `sequence_shells` audit bucket
+
+They must not increment:
+
+1. `official_figure_count`
+2. solved ownership metrics in health / audit summaries
+
 ---
 
 ## 5. Unified Object Model
@@ -198,6 +250,32 @@ A proposed explanation that a given legend owns a specific visual grouping.
 
 This is where same-page, composite-parent, sidecar-rescue, and sequence-shell provenance belong.
 
+Minimum contract shape in the convergence direction:
+
+```python
+{
+    "candidate_id": str,
+    "candidate_source": str,
+    "legend_block_id": str | None,
+    "visual_group_id": str | None,
+    "asset_block_ids": list[str],
+    "embedded_text_block_ids": list[str],
+    "page": int,
+    "legend_page": int | None,
+    "asset_pages": list[int],
+    "bbox": list[float],
+    "evidence": list[str],
+    "conflicts": list[str],
+    "coverage_score": float,
+    "caption_score": float,
+    "visual_score": float,
+    "arbitration_score": float | None,
+}
+```
+
+The exact field names may vary.
+The shape must remain unified across candidate sources.
+
 ### 5.5 `OwnershipDecision`
 
 The final arbitrated state:
@@ -294,6 +372,29 @@ dense_composite_parent_candidate
 This must be generated as part of candidate generation.
 It must **not** be implemented as a new direct settlement path.
 
+### 7.2.1 Dense parent is a composite-parent subtype
+
+`dense_composite_parent_candidate` is not a new ownership family parallel to `composite_parent`.
+
+It is a subtype or evidence profile of composite parent candidacy.
+
+Required interpretation:
+
+```text
+dense_composite_parent_candidate is a subtype of composite_parent_candidate,
+not a separate ownership path and not a new settlement mechanism
+```
+
+One acceptable representation is:
+
+```python
+{
+    "group_type": "composite_parent",
+    "parent_subtype": "dense_composite",
+    ...
+}
+```
+
 ### 7.3 Dense parent construction constraints
 
 Dense parent candidates must be:
@@ -310,18 +411,30 @@ Caption alignment is allowed later in arbitration.
 
 The system should only build dense parent candidates in pages that look like real dense-composite pages.
 
-Typical trigger signals:
+Construction-time trigger signals:
 
 1. page contains a formal numbered figure caption
 2. same local visual zone contains many fragments
 3. visual fragment count is high, e.g. `>= 4`
-4. unresolved clusters are already present, e.g. `>= 2`
-5. ordinary same-page ownership explains only part of the zone
-6. the candidate does not cross another numbered caption interval boundary
+4. the candidate does not cross another numbered caption interval boundary
+5. local fragments show compact visual structure rather than page-wide scatter
 
 This is not page-wide mega-merge.
 This is scoped visual-parent candidacy.
 
+Arbitration-time scoring signals may additionally use:
+
+1. coverage gain over ordinary local ownership
+2. unresolved visual mass reduction
+3. penalty for partial local ownership that explains only a small subset of the zone
+4. sibling-caption conflict penalties
+
+Rule:
+
+```text
+Layer 2 construction may not depend on values that only exist after Layer 3/4 finalization.
+```
+
 ### 7.5 Dense parent candidate contract
 
 Minimum suggested fields:
@@ -425,6 +538,20 @@ partial ordinary local ownership on dense page
 < strong dense parent candidate
 ```
 
+### 8.6 Relationship to existing roadmap
+
+This convergence spec does **not** replace the already-approved visual-grammar hardening roadmap.
+
+It acts as an architecture constraint layer for that roadmap.
+
+Required relationship:
+
+```text
+P0 close-out fixes still land first
+P1A diagnostic-only parent detection still lands before ownership-bearing parent arbitration
+P1B / P2 / P3 and later dense-page work must follow the convergence rules in this spec
+```
+
 ---
 
 ## 9. Layer 4 - Render and Accounting
@@ -446,7 +573,7 @@ Required distinction:
 
 Shell outcomes must not be counted as strong matched ownership in health and audit summaries.
 
-Suggested status label:
+Suggested shell label:
 
 ```text
 assetless_sequence_shell