Use committed Codex plugin files in sync script

- commit .codex-plugin/plugin.json and brand assets in this repo
- sync tracked Codex plugin files instead of generating or seeding them
- honor upstream gitignored files during rsync
- cover the new sync behavior with regression tests

.codex-plugin/plugin.json

@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+{
+  "name": "superpowers",
+  "version": "5.0.7",
+  "description": "An agentic skills framework & software development methodology that works: planning, TDD, debugging, and collaboration workflows.",
+  "author": {
+    "name": "Jesse Vincent",
+    "email": "jesse@fsck.com",
+    "url": "https://github.com/obra"
+  },
+  "homepage": "https://github.com/obra/superpowers",
+  "repository": "https://github.com/obra/superpowers",
+  "license": "MIT",
+  "keywords": [
+    "brainstorming",
+    "subagent-driven-development",
+    "skills",
+    "planning",
+    "tdd",
+    "debugging",
+    "code-review",
+    "workflow"
+  ],
+  "skills": "./skills/",
+  "interface": {
+    "displayName": "Superpowers",
+    "shortDescription": "Planning, TDD, debugging, and delivery workflows for coding agents",
+    "longDescription": "Use Superpowers to guide agent work through brainstorming, implementation planning, test-driven development, systematic debugging, parallel execution, code review, and finish-the-branch workflows.",
+    "developerName": "Jesse Vincent",
+    "category": "Coding",
+    "capabilities": [
+      "Interactive",
+      "Read",
+      "Write"
+    ],
+    "defaultPrompt": [
+      "I've got an idea for something I'd like to build.",
+      "Let's add a feature to this project."
+    ],
+    "brandColor": "#F59E0B",
+    "composerIcon": "./assets/superpowers-small.svg",
+    "logo": "./assets/app-icon.png",
+    "screenshots": []
+  }
+}

.version-bump.json

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
     { "path": "package.json", "field": "version" },
     { "path": ".claude-plugin/plugin.json", "field": "version" },
     { "path": ".cursor-plugin/plugin.json", "field": "version" },
+    { "path": ".codex-plugin/plugin.json", "field": "version" },
     { "path": ".claude-plugin/marketplace.json", "field": "plugins.0.version" },
     { "path": "gemini-extension.json", "field": "version" }
   ],

README.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Superpowers
 
-Superpowers is a complete software development workflow for your coding agents, built on top of a set of composable "skills" and some initial instructions that make sure your agent uses them.
+Superpowers is a complete software development methodology for your coding agents, built on top of a set of composable skills and some initial instructions that make sure your agent uses them.
 
 ## How it works
 
@@ -26,19 +26,21 @@ Thanks!
 
 ## Installation
 
-**Note:** Installation differs by platform. Claude Code or Cursor have built-in plugin marketplaces. Codex and OpenCode require manual setup.
+**Note:** Installation differs by platform. 
 
 ### Claude Code Official Marketplace
 
 Superpowers is available via the [official Claude plugin marketplace](https://claude.com/plugins/superpowers)
 
-Install the plugin from Claude marketplace:
+Install the plugin from Anthropic's official marketplace:
 
 ```bash
 /plugin install superpowers@claude-plugins-official
 ```
 
-### Claude Code (via Plugin Marketplace)
+### Claude Code (Superpowers Marketplace)
+
+The Superpowers marketplace provides Superpowers and some other related plugins for Claude Code.
 
 In Claude Code, register the marketplace first:
 
@@ -52,6 +54,29 @@ Then install the plugin from this marketplace:
 /plugin install superpowers@superpowers-marketplace
 ```
 
+### OpenAI Codex CLI
+
+- Open plugin search interface
+
+```bash
+/plugins
+```
+
+Search for Superpowers
+
+```bash
+superpowers
+```
+
+Select `Install Plugin`
+
+### OpenAI Codex App
+
+- In the Codex app, click on Plugins in the sidebar.
+- You should see `Superpowers` in the Coding section. 
+- Click the `+` next to Superpowers and follow the prompts.
+
+
 ### Cursor (via Plugin Marketplace)
 
 In Cursor Agent chat, install from marketplace:
@@ -62,16 +87,6 @@ In Cursor Agent chat, install from marketplace:
 
 or search for "superpowers" in the plugin marketplace.
 
-### Codex
-
-Tell Codex:
-
-```
-Fetch and follow instructions from https://raw.githubusercontent.com/obra/superpowers/refs/heads/main/.codex/INSTALL.md
-```
-
-**Detailed docs:** [docs/README.codex.md](docs/README.codex.md)
-
 ### OpenCode
 
 Tell OpenCode:
@@ -101,10 +116,6 @@ To update:
 gemini extensions update superpowers
 ```
 
-### Verify Installation
-
-Start a new session in your chosen platform and ask for something that should trigger a skill (for example, "help me plan this feature" or "let's debug this issue"). The agent should automatically invoke the relevant superpowers skill.
-
 ## The Basic Workflow
 
 1. **brainstorming** - Activates before writing code. Refines rough ideas through questions, explores alternatives, presents design in sections for validation. Saves design document.
@@ -156,26 +167,23 @@ Start a new session in your chosen platform and ask for something that should tr
 - **Complexity reduction** - Simplicity as primary goal
 - **Evidence over claims** - Verify before declaring success
 
-Read more: [Superpowers for Claude Code](https://blog.fsck.com/2025/10/09/superpowers/)
+Read [the original release announcement](https://blog.fsck.com/2025/10/09/superpowers/).
 
 ## Contributing
 
-Skills live directly in this repository. To contribute:
+The general contribution process for Superpowers is below. Keep in mind that we don't generally accept contributions of new skills and that any updates to skills must work across all of the coding agents we support.
 
 1. Fork the repository
-2. Create a branch for your skill
+2. Switch to the 'dev' branch
-3. Follow the `writing-skills` skill for creating and testing new skills
+3. Create a branch for your work
-4. Submit a PR
+4. Follow the `writing-skills` skill for creating and testing new and modified skills
+5. Submit a PR, being sure to fill in the pull request template.
 
 See `skills/writing-skills/SKILL.md` for the complete guide.
 
 ## Updating
 
-Skills update automatically when you update the plugin:
+Superpowers updates are somewhat coding-agent dependent, but are often automatic.
-
-```bash
-/plugin update superpowers
-```
 
 ## License
 

assets/superpowers-small.svg

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><svg id="Calque_1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path d="M394.28,207.8c.81,2.41,1.39,4.78,1.8,7.07,1.61,9.03-.93,17.78-5.99,21.74-22.6,17.7-49.85,29.35-75.34,38.6-.59.22-1.09.28-1.4.34-2.22.47-4.95,1.04-7.25,0-1.46-.66-2.25-1.74-2.66-2.3-1.56-2.1-1.59-4.31-1.56-5.13.1-2.67-.01-4.69,0-4.82.45-3.52.91-10.66,1.41-21.28.6-3.87,2.16-9.63,6.94-13.96,4.01-3.62,8.33-4.6,14.59-5.87,10.76-2.19,37.21-8.22,47.42-16.56,1.63-1.33,2.97-2.65,4.19-3.96,3.72-3.99,6.39-7.92,7.93-10.36,3.22,3.22,7.25,8.48,9.92,16.47Z"/><path d="M428.67,185.28c-2.33,11.99-8.91,22.32-15.88,30.38.27-5.5-.05-12.11-1.86-19.08-5.04-19.36-19.74-34.7-37.78-37.78-32.21-9.74-70.59,3.79-99.08,18.29-3.87,1.95-9.52-2.77-11.84-8.16-3.32-7.71-1.63-6.28,2.61-8.49,38.31-20.03,82.01-39.61,123.91-29.7,8.26,1.95,15.96,5.26,23.48,10.54,11.32,7.96,20.21,24.74,16.44,44Z"/><path d="M117.72,304.2c-.81-2.41-1.39-4.78-1.8-7.07-1.61-9.03.93-17.78,5.99-21.74,22.6-17.7,49.85-29.35,75.34-38.6.59-.22,1.09-.28,1.4-.34,2.22-.47,4.95-1.04,7.25,0,1.46.66,2.25,1.74,2.66,2.3,1.56,2.1,1.59,4.31,1.56,5.13-.1,2.67.01,4.69,0,4.82-.45,3.52-.91,10.66-1.41,21.28-.6,3.87-2.16,9.63-6.94,13.96-4.01,3.62-8.33,4.6-14.59,5.87-10.76,2.19-37.21,8.22-47.42,16.56-1.63,1.33-2.97,2.65-4.19,3.96-3.72,3.99-6.39,7.92-7.93,10.36-3.22-3.22-7.25-8.48-9.92-16.47Z"/><path d="M83.33,326.72c2.33-11.99,8.91-22.32,15.88-30.38-.27,5.5.05,12.11,1.86,19.08,5.04,19.36,19.74,34.7,37.78,37.78,32.21,9.74,70.59-3.79,99.08-18.29,3.87-1.95,9.52,2.77,11.84,8.16,3.32,7.71,1.63,6.28-2.61,8.49-38.31,20.03-82.01,39.61-123.91,29.7-8.26-1.95-15.96-5.26-23.48-10.54-11.32-7.96-20.21-24.74-16.44-44Z"/><ellipse cx="255.16" cy="258.86" rx="28.95" ry="28.76"/></svg>

scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh

@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
 # sync-to-codex-plugin.sh
 #
 # Sync this superpowers checkout → prime-radiant-inc/openai-codex-plugins.
-# Clones the fork fresh into a temp dir, rsyncs upstream content, regenerates
+# Clones the fork fresh into a temp dir, rsyncs tracked upstream plugin content
-# the Codex overlay file (.codex-plugin/plugin.json) inline, commits, pushes a
+# (including committed Codex files under .codex-plugin/ and assets/), commits,
-# sync branch, and opens a PR.
+# pushes a sync branch, and opens a PR.
 # Path/user agnostic — auto-detects upstream from script location.
 #
 # Deterministic: running twice against the same upstream SHA produces PRs with
@@ -17,13 +17,11 @@
 #   ./scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh -y                           # skip confirm
 #   ./scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --local PATH                 # existing checkout
 #   ./scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --base BRANCH                # default: main
-#   ./scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --bootstrap --assets-src DIR # create initial plugin
+#   ./scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --bootstrap                  # create plugin dir if missing
 #
-# Bootstrap mode: skips the "plugin must exist on base" check and seeds
+# Bootstrap mode: skips the "plugin must exist on base" requirement and creates
-# plugins/superpowers/assets/ from --assets-src <dir> which must contain
+# plugins/superpowers/ when absent, then copies the tracked plugin files from
-# PrimeRadiant_Favicon.svg and PrimeRadiant_Favicon.png. Run once by one
+# upstream just like a normal sync.
-# team member to create the initial PR; every subsequent run is a normal
-# (non-bootstrap) sync.
 #
 # Requires: bash, rsync, git, gh (authenticated), python3.
 
@@ -38,9 +36,6 @@ DEFAULT_BASE="main"
 DEST_REL="plugins/superpowers"
 
 # Paths in upstream that should NOT land in the embedded plugin.
-# The Codex-only paths are here too — they're managed by generate/bootstrap
-# steps, not by rsync.
-#
 # All patterns use a leading "/" to anchor them to the source root.
 # Unanchored patterns like "scripts/" would match any directory named
 # "scripts" at any depth — including legitimate nested dirs like
@@ -78,68 +73,57 @@ EXCLUDES=(
   "/scripts/"
   "/tests/"
   "/tmp/"
-
-  # Codex-only paths — managed outside rsync
-  "/.codex-plugin/"
-  "/assets/"
 )
 
 # =============================================================================
-# Generated overlay file
+# Ignored-path helpers
 # =============================================================================
 
-# Writes the Codex plugin manifest to "$1" with the given upstream version.
+IGNORED_DIR_EXCLUDES=()
-# Args: dest_path, version
+
-generate_plugin_json() {
+path_has_directory_exclude() {
-  local dest="$1"
+  local path="$1"
-  local version="$2"
+  local dir
-  mkdir -p "$(dirname "$dest")"
+
-  cat > "$dest" <<EOF
+  if [[ ${#IGNORED_DIR_EXCLUDES[@]} -eq 0 ]]; then
-{
+    return 1
-  "name": "superpowers",
+  fi
-  "version": "$version",
+
-  "description": "An agentic skills framework & software development methodology that works: planning, TDD, debugging, and collaboration workflows.",
+  for dir in "${IGNORED_DIR_EXCLUDES[@]}"; do
-  "author": {
+    [[ "$path" == "$dir"* ]] && return 0
-    "name": "Jesse Vincent",
+  done
-    "email": "jesse@fsck.com",
+
-    "url": "https://github.com/obra"
+  return 1
-  },
-  "homepage": "https://github.com/obra/superpowers",
-  "repository": "https://github.com/obra/superpowers",
-  "license": "MIT",
-  "keywords": [
-    "brainstorming",
-    "subagent-driven-development",
-    "skills",
-    "planning",
-    "tdd",
-    "debugging",
-    "code-review",
-    "workflow"
-  ],
-  "skills": "./skills/",
-  "interface": {
-    "displayName": "Superpowers",
-    "shortDescription": "Planning, TDD, debugging, and delivery workflows for coding agents",
-    "longDescription": "Use Superpowers to guide agent work through brainstorming, implementation planning, test-driven development, systematic debugging, parallel execution, code review, and finish-the-branch workflows.",
-    "developerName": "Jesse Vincent",
-    "category": "Coding",
-    "capabilities": [
-      "Interactive",
-      "Read",
-      "Write"
-    ],
-    "defaultPrompt": [
-      "I've got an idea for something I'd like to build.",
-      "Let's add a feature to this project."
-    ],
-    "brandColor": "#F59E0B",
-    "composerIcon": "./assets/superpowers-small.svg",
-    "logo": "./assets/app-icon.png",
-    "screenshots": []
-  }
 }
-EOF
+
+ignored_directory_has_tracked_descendants() {
+  local path="$1"
+
+  [[ -n "$(git -C "$UPSTREAM" ls-files --cached -- "$path/")" ]]
+}
+
+append_git_ignored_directory_excludes() {
+  local path
+  local lookup_path
+
+  while IFS= read -r -d '' path; do
+    [[ "$path" == */ ]] || continue
+
+    lookup_path="${path%/}"
+    if ! ignored_directory_has_tracked_descendants "$lookup_path"; then
+      IGNORED_DIR_EXCLUDES+=("$path")
+      RSYNC_ARGS+=(--exclude="/$path")
+    fi
+  done < <(git -C "$UPSTREAM" ls-files --others --ignored --exclude-standard --directory -z)
+}
+
+append_git_ignored_file_excludes() {
+  local path
+
+  while IFS= read -r -d '' path; do
+    path_has_directory_exclude "$path" && continue
+    RSYNC_ARGS+=(--exclude="/$path")
+  done < <(git -C "$UPSTREAM" ls-files --others --ignored --exclude-standard -z)
 }
 
 # =============================================================================
@@ -153,10 +137,9 @@ DRY_RUN=0
 YES=0
 LOCAL_CHECKOUT=""
 BOOTSTRAP=0
-ASSETS_SRC=""
 
 usage() {
-  sed -n 's/^# \{0,1\}//;2,27p' "$0"
+  sed -n '/^# Usage:/,/^# Requires:/s/^# \{0,1\}//p' "$0"
   exit "${1:-0}"
 }
 
@@ -167,7 +150,6 @@ while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
     --local)       LOCAL_CHECKOUT="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --base)        BASE="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     --bootstrap)   BOOTSTRAP=1; shift ;;
-    --assets-src)  ASSETS_SRC="$2"; shift 2 ;;
     -h|--help)     usage 0 ;;
     *)             echo "Unknown arg: $1" >&2; usage 2 ;;
   esac
@@ -187,19 +169,11 @@ command -v python3 >/dev/null || die "python3 not found in PATH"
 gh auth status >/dev/null 2>&1 || die "gh not authenticated — run 'gh auth login'"
 
 [[ -d "$UPSTREAM/.git" ]]         || die "upstream '$UPSTREAM' is not a git checkout"
-[[ -f "$UPSTREAM/package.json" ]] || die "upstream has no package.json — cannot read version"
+[[ -f "$UPSTREAM/.codex-plugin/plugin.json" ]] || die "committed Codex manifest missing at $UPSTREAM/.codex-plugin/plugin.json"
 
-# Bootstrap-mode validation
+# Read the upstream version from the committed Codex manifest.
-if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
+UPSTREAM_VERSION="$(python3 -c 'import json,sys; print(json.load(open(sys.argv[1]))["version"])' "$UPSTREAM/.codex-plugin/plugin.json")"
-  [[ -n "$ASSETS_SRC" ]] || die "--bootstrap requires --assets-src <path>"
+[[ -n "$UPSTREAM_VERSION" ]] || die "could not read 'version' from committed Codex manifest"
-  ASSETS_SRC="$(cd "$ASSETS_SRC" 2>/dev/null && pwd)" || die "assets source '$ASSETS_SRC' is not a directory"
-  [[ -f "$ASSETS_SRC/PrimeRadiant_Favicon.svg" ]] || die "assets source missing PrimeRadiant_Favicon.svg"
-  [[ -f "$ASSETS_SRC/PrimeRadiant_Favicon.png" ]] || die "assets source missing PrimeRadiant_Favicon.png"
-fi
-
-# Read the upstream version from package.json
-UPSTREAM_VERSION="$(python3 -c 'import json,sys; print(json.load(open(sys.argv[1]))["version"])' "$UPSTREAM/package.json")"
-[[ -n "$UPSTREAM_VERSION" ]] || die "could not read 'version' from upstream package.json"
 
 UPSTREAM_BRANCH="$(cd "$UPSTREAM" && git branch --show-current)"
 UPSTREAM_SHA="$(cd "$UPSTREAM" && git rev-parse HEAD)"
@@ -230,7 +204,9 @@ fi
 
 CLEANUP_DIR=""
 cleanup() {
-  [[ -n "$CLEANUP_DIR" ]] && rm -rf "$CLEANUP_DIR"
+  if [[ -n "$CLEANUP_DIR" ]]; then
+    rm -rf "$CLEANUP_DIR"
+  fi
 }
 trap cleanup EXIT
 
@@ -245,22 +221,84 @@ else
 fi
 
 DEST="$DEST_REPO/$DEST_REL"
+PREVIEW_REPO="$DEST_REPO"
+PREVIEW_DEST="$DEST"
 
-# Checkout base branch
+overlay_destination_paths() {
-cd "$DEST_REPO"
+  local repo="$1"
-git checkout -q "$BASE" 2>/dev/null || die "base branch '$BASE' doesn't exist in $FORK"
+  local path
+  local source_path
+  local preview_path
 
-# Plugin-existence check depends on mode
+  while IFS= read -r -d '' path; do
-if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
+    source_path="$repo/$path"
-  [[ ! -d "$DEST" ]] || die "--bootstrap but base branch '$BASE' already has '$DEST_REL/' — use normal sync instead"
+    preview_path="$PREVIEW_REPO/$path"
-  mkdir -p "$DEST"
-else
-  [[ -d "$DEST" ]] || die "base branch '$BASE' has no '$DEST_REL/' — use --bootstrap + --assets-src, or pass --base <branch>"
-fi
 
-# =============================================================================
+    if [[ -e "$source_path" ]]; then
-# Create sync branch
+      mkdir -p "$(dirname "$preview_path")"
-# =============================================================================
+      cp -R "$source_path" "$preview_path"
+    else
+      rm -rf "$preview_path"
+    fi
+  done
+}
+
+copy_local_destination_overlay() {
+  overlay_destination_paths "$DEST_REPO" < <(
+    git -C "$DEST_REPO" diff --name-only -z -- "$DEST_REL"
+  )
+  overlay_destination_paths "$DEST_REPO" < <(
+    git -C "$DEST_REPO" diff --cached --name-only -z -- "$DEST_REL"
+  )
+  overlay_destination_paths "$DEST_REPO" < <(
+    git -C "$DEST_REPO" ls-files --others --exclude-standard -z -- "$DEST_REL"
+  )
+  overlay_destination_paths "$DEST_REPO" < <(
+    git -C "$DEST_REPO" ls-files --others --ignored --exclude-standard -z -- "$DEST_REL"
+  )
+}
+
+local_checkout_has_uncommitted_destination_changes() {
+  [[ -n "$(git -C "$DEST_REPO" status --porcelain=1 --untracked-files=all --ignored=matching -- "$DEST_REL")" ]]
+}
+
+prepare_preview_checkout() {
+  if [[ -n "$LOCAL_CHECKOUT" ]]; then
+    [[ -n "$CLEANUP_DIR" ]] || CLEANUP_DIR="$(mktemp -d)"
+    PREVIEW_REPO="$CLEANUP_DIR/preview"
+    git clone -q --no-local "$DEST_REPO" "$PREVIEW_REPO"
+    PREVIEW_DEST="$PREVIEW_REPO/$DEST_REL"
+  fi
+
+  git -C "$PREVIEW_REPO" checkout -q "$BASE" 2>/dev/null || die "base branch '$BASE' doesn't exist in $FORK"
+  if [[ -n "$LOCAL_CHECKOUT" ]]; then
+    copy_local_destination_overlay
+  fi
+  if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -ne 1 ]]; then
+    [[ -d "$PREVIEW_DEST" ]] || die "base branch '$BASE' has no '$DEST_REL/' — use --bootstrap, or pass --base <branch>"
+  fi
+}
+
+prepare_apply_checkout() {
+  git -C "$DEST_REPO" checkout -q "$BASE" 2>/dev/null || die "base branch '$BASE' doesn't exist in $FORK"
+  if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -ne 1 ]]; then
+    [[ -d "$DEST" ]] || die "base branch '$BASE' has no '$DEST_REL/' — use --bootstrap, or pass --base <branch>"
+  fi
+}
+
+apply_to_preview_checkout() {
+  if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
+    mkdir -p "$PREVIEW_DEST"
+  fi
+
+  rsync "${RSYNC_ARGS[@]}" "$UPSTREAM/" "$PREVIEW_DEST/"
+}
+
+preview_checkout_has_changes() {
+  [[ -n "$(git -C "$PREVIEW_REPO" status --porcelain "$DEST_REL")" ]]
+}
+
+prepare_preview_checkout
 
 TIMESTAMP="$(date -u +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)"
 if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
@@ -268,14 +306,15 @@ if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
 else
   SYNC_BRANCH="sync/superpowers-${UPSTREAM_SHORT}-${TIMESTAMP}"
 fi
-git checkout -q -b "$SYNC_BRANCH"
 
 # =============================================================================
 # Build rsync args
 # =============================================================================
 
-RSYNC_ARGS=(-av --delete)
+RSYNC_ARGS=(-av --delete --delete-excluded)
 for pat in "${EXCLUDES[@]}"; do RSYNC_ARGS+=(--exclude="$pat"); done
+append_git_ignored_directory_excludes
+append_git_ignored_file_excludes
 
 # =============================================================================
 # Dry run preview (always shown)
@@ -288,20 +327,13 @@ echo "Fork:     $FORK"
 echo "Base:     $BASE"
 echo "Branch:   $SYNC_BRANCH"
 if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
-  echo "Mode:     BOOTSTRAP (creating initial plugin from scratch)"
+  echo "Mode:     BOOTSTRAP (creating plugins/superpowers/ when absent)"
-  echo "Assets:   $ASSETS_SRC"
 fi
 echo ""
 echo "=== Preview (rsync --dry-run) ==="
-rsync "${RSYNC_ARGS[@]}" --dry-run --itemize-changes "$UPSTREAM/" "$DEST/"
+rsync "${RSYNC_ARGS[@]}" --dry-run --itemize-changes "$UPSTREAM/" "$PREVIEW_DEST/"
 echo "=== End preview ==="
 echo ""
-echo "Overlay file (.codex-plugin/plugin.json) will be regenerated with"
-echo "version $UPSTREAM_VERSION regardless of rsync output."
-if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
-  echo "Assets (superpowers-small.svg, app-icon.png) will be seeded from:"
-  echo "  $ASSETS_SRC"
-fi
 
 if [[ $DRY_RUN -eq 1 ]]; then
   echo ""
@@ -317,18 +349,26 @@ echo ""
 confirm "Apply changes, push branch, and open PR?" || { echo "Aborted."; exit 1; }
 
 echo ""
-echo "Syncing upstream content..."
+if [[ -n "$LOCAL_CHECKOUT" ]]; then
-rsync "${RSYNC_ARGS[@]}" "$UPSTREAM/" "$DEST/"
+  if local_checkout_has_uncommitted_destination_changes; then
+    die "local checkout has uncommitted changes under '$DEST_REL' — commit, stash, or discard them before syncing"
+  fi
 
-if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
+  apply_to_preview_checkout
-  echo "Seeding brand assets..."
+  if ! preview_checkout_has_changes; then
-  mkdir -p "$DEST/assets"
+    echo "No changes — embedded plugin was already in sync with upstream $UPSTREAM_SHORT (v$UPSTREAM_VERSION)."
-  cp "$ASSETS_SRC/PrimeRadiant_Favicon.svg" "$DEST/assets/superpowers-small.svg"
+    exit 0
-  cp "$ASSETS_SRC/PrimeRadiant_Favicon.png" "$DEST/assets/app-icon.png"
+  fi
 fi
 
-echo "Regenerating overlay file..."
+prepare_apply_checkout
-generate_plugin_json "$DEST/.codex-plugin/plugin.json" "$UPSTREAM_VERSION"
+cd "$DEST_REPO"
+git checkout -q -b "$SYNC_BRANCH"
+echo "Syncing upstream content..."
+if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
+  mkdir -p "$DEST"
+fi
+rsync "${RSYNC_ARGS[@]}" "$UPSTREAM/" "$DEST/"
 
 # Bail early if nothing actually changed
 cd "$DEST_REPO"
@@ -347,16 +387,18 @@ if [[ $BOOTSTRAP -eq 1 ]]; then
   COMMIT_TITLE="bootstrap superpowers v$UPSTREAM_VERSION from upstream main @ $UPSTREAM_SHORT"
   PR_BODY="Initial bootstrap of the superpowers plugin from upstream \`main\` @ \`$UPSTREAM_SHORT\` (v$UPSTREAM_VERSION).
 
-Creates \`plugins/superpowers/\` from scratch: upstream content via rsync, \`.codex-plugin/plugin.json\` regenerated inline, brand assets seeded from a local Brand Assets directory.
+Creates \`plugins/superpowers/\` by copying the tracked plugin files from upstream, including \`.codex-plugin/plugin.json\` and \`assets/\`.
 
-Run via: \`scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --bootstrap --assets-src <path>\`
+Run via: \`scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh --bootstrap\`
 Upstream commit: https://github.com/obra/superpowers/commit/$UPSTREAM_SHA
 
-This is a one-time bootstrap. Subsequent syncs will be normal (non-bootstrap) runs and will not touch the \`assets/\` directory."
+This is a one-time bootstrap. Subsequent syncs will be normal (non-bootstrap) runs using the same tracked upstream plugin files."
 else
   COMMIT_TITLE="sync superpowers v$UPSTREAM_VERSION from upstream main @ $UPSTREAM_SHORT"
   PR_BODY="Automated sync from superpowers upstream \`main\` @ \`$UPSTREAM_SHORT\` (v$UPSTREAM_VERSION).
 
+Copies the tracked plugin files from upstream, including the committed Codex manifest and assets.
+
 Run via: \`scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh\`
 Upstream commit: https://github.com/obra/superpowers/commit/$UPSTREAM_SHA
 

tests/codex-plugin-sync/test-sync-to-codex-plugin.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,571 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+set -euo pipefail
+
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "$0")" && pwd)"
+REPO_ROOT="$(cd "$SCRIPT_DIR/../.." && pwd)"
+SYNC_SCRIPT_SOURCE="$REPO_ROOT/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh"
+BASH_UNDER_TEST="/bin/bash"
+PACKAGE_VERSION="1.2.3"
+MANIFEST_VERSION="9.8.7"
+
+FAILURES=0
+TEST_ROOT=""
+
+pass() {
+    echo "  [PASS] $1"
+}
+
+fail() {
+    echo "  [FAIL] $1"
+    FAILURES=$((FAILURES + 1))
+}
+
+assert_equals() {
+    local actual="$1"
+    local expected="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+
+    if [[ "$actual" == "$expected" ]]; then
+        pass "$description"
+    else
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    expected: $expected"
+        echo "    actual:   $actual"
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_contains() {
+    local haystack="$1"
+    local needle="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+
+    if printf '%s' "$haystack" | grep -Fq -- "$needle"; then
+        pass "$description"
+    else
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    expected to find: $needle"
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_not_contains() {
+    local haystack="$1"
+    local needle="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+
+    if printf '%s' "$haystack" | grep -Fq -- "$needle"; then
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    did not expect to find: $needle"
+    else
+        pass "$description"
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_matches() {
+    local haystack="$1"
+    local pattern="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+
+    if printf '%s' "$haystack" | grep -Eq -- "$pattern"; then
+        pass "$description"
+    else
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    expected to match: $pattern"
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_path_absent() {
+    local path="$1"
+    local description="$2"
+
+    if [[ ! -e "$path" ]]; then
+        pass "$description"
+    else
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    did not expect path to exist: $path"
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_branch_absent() {
+    local repo="$1"
+    local pattern="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+    local branches
+
+    branches="$(git -C "$repo" branch --list "$pattern")"
+
+    if [[ -z "$branches" ]]; then
+        pass "$description"
+    else
+        fail "$description"
+        echo "    did not expect matching branches:"
+        echo "$branches" | sed 's/^/      /'
+    fi
+}
+
+assert_current_branch() {
+    local repo="$1"
+    local expected="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+    local actual
+
+    actual="$(git -C "$repo" branch --show-current)"
+    assert_equals "$actual" "$expected" "$description"
+}
+
+assert_file_equals() {
+    local path="$1"
+    local expected="$2"
+    local description="$3"
+    local actual
+
+    actual="$(cat "$path")"
+    assert_equals "$actual" "$expected" "$description"
+}
+
+cleanup() {
+    if [[ -n "$TEST_ROOT" && -d "$TEST_ROOT" ]]; then
+        rm -rf "$TEST_ROOT"
+    fi
+}
+
+configure_git_identity() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    git -C "$repo" config user.name "Test Bot"
+    git -C "$repo" config user.email "test@example.com"
+}
+
+init_repo() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    git init -q -b main "$repo"
+    configure_git_identity "$repo"
+}
+
+commit_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+    local message="$2"
+
+    git -C "$repo" commit -q -m "$message"
+}
+
+checkout_fixture_branch() {
+    local repo="$1"
+    local branch="$2"
+
+    git -C "$repo" checkout -q -b "$branch"
+}
+
+write_upstream_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+    local with_pure_ignored="${2:-1}"
+
+    mkdir -p \
+        "$repo/.codex-plugin" \
+        "$repo/.private-journal" \
+        "$repo/assets" \
+        "$repo/scripts" \
+        "$repo/skills/example"
+
+    if [[ "$with_pure_ignored" == "1" ]]; then
+        mkdir -p "$repo/ignored-cache/tmp"
+    fi
+
+    cp "$SYNC_SCRIPT_SOURCE" "$repo/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh"
+
+    cat > "$repo/package.json" <<EOF
+{
+  "name": "fixture-upstream",
+  "version": "$PACKAGE_VERSION"
+}
+EOF
+
+    cat > "$repo/.gitignore" <<'EOF'
+.private-journal/
+EOF
+
+    if [[ "$with_pure_ignored" == "1" ]]; then
+        cat >> "$repo/.gitignore" <<'EOF'
+ignored-cache/
+EOF
+    fi
+
+    cat > "$repo/.codex-plugin/plugin.json" <<EOF
+{
+  "name": "superpowers",
+  "version": "$MANIFEST_VERSION"
+}
+EOF
+
+    cat > "$repo/assets/superpowers-small.svg" <<'EOF'
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"></svg>
+EOF
+
+    printf 'png fixture\n' > "$repo/assets/app-icon.png"
+
+    cat > "$repo/skills/example/SKILL.md" <<'EOF'
+# Example Skill
+
+Fixture content.
+EOF
+
+    printf 'tracked keep\n' > "$repo/.private-journal/keep.txt"
+    printf 'ignored leak\n' > "$repo/.private-journal/leak.txt"
+    if [[ "$with_pure_ignored" == "1" ]]; then
+        printf 'ignored cache state\n' > "$repo/ignored-cache/tmp/state.json"
+    fi
+
+    git -C "$repo" add \
+        .codex-plugin/plugin.json \
+        .gitignore \
+        assets/app-icon.png \
+        assets/superpowers-small.svg \
+        package.json \
+        scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh \
+        skills/example/SKILL.md
+    git -C "$repo" add -f .private-journal/keep.txt
+
+    commit_fixture "$repo" "Initial upstream fixture"
+}
+
+write_destination_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    mkdir -p "$repo/plugins/superpowers/skills/example"
+    printf 'fixture keep\n' > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.fixture-keep"
+    cat > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md" <<'EOF'
+# Example Skill
+
+Fixture content.
+EOF
+    git -C "$repo" add plugins/superpowers/.fixture-keep
+    git -C "$repo" add plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md
+
+    commit_fixture "$repo" "Initial destination fixture"
+}
+
+dirty_tracked_destination_skill() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    cat > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md" <<'EOF'
+# Example Skill
+
+Locally modified fixture content.
+EOF
+}
+
+write_synced_destination_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    mkdir -p \
+        "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.codex-plugin" \
+        "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.private-journal" \
+        "$repo/plugins/superpowers/assets" \
+        "$repo/plugins/superpowers/skills/example"
+
+    cat > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.codex-plugin/plugin.json" <<EOF
+{
+  "name": "superpowers",
+  "version": "$MANIFEST_VERSION"
+}
+EOF
+
+    cat > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/assets/superpowers-small.svg" <<'EOF'
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"></svg>
+EOF
+
+    printf 'png fixture\n' > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/assets/app-icon.png"
+
+    cat > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md" <<'EOF'
+# Example Skill
+
+Fixture content.
+EOF
+
+    printf 'tracked keep\n' > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.private-journal/keep.txt"
+
+    git -C "$repo" add \
+        plugins/superpowers/.codex-plugin/plugin.json \
+        plugins/superpowers/assets/app-icon.png \
+        plugins/superpowers/assets/superpowers-small.svg \
+        plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md \
+        plugins/superpowers/.private-journal/keep.txt
+
+    commit_fixture "$repo" "Initial synced destination fixture"
+}
+
+write_stale_ignored_destination_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    mkdir -p "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.private-journal"
+    printf 'fixture keep\n' > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.fixture-keep"
+    printf 'stale ignored leak\n' > "$repo/plugins/superpowers/.private-journal/leak.txt"
+    git -C "$repo" add plugins/superpowers/.fixture-keep
+
+    commit_fixture "$repo" "Initial stale ignored destination fixture"
+}
+
+write_fake_gh() {
+    local bin_dir="$1"
+
+    mkdir -p "$bin_dir"
+
+    cat > "$bin_dir/gh" <<'EOF'
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+set -euo pipefail
+
+if [[ "${1:-}" == "auth" && "${2:-}" == "status" ]]; then
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+echo "unexpected gh invocation: $*" >&2
+exit 1
+EOF
+
+    chmod +x "$bin_dir/gh"
+}
+
+run_preview() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local dest="$2"
+    local fake_bin="$3"
+
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" -n --local "$dest" 2>&1
+}
+
+run_bootstrap_preview() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local dest="$2"
+    local fake_bin="$3"
+
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" -n --bootstrap --local "$dest" 2>&1
+}
+
+run_preview_without_manifest() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local dest="$2"
+    local fake_bin="$3"
+
+    rm -f "$upstream/.codex-plugin/plugin.json"
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" -n --local "$dest" 2>&1
+}
+
+run_preview_with_stale_ignored_destination() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local dest="$2"
+    local fake_bin="$3"
+
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" -n --local "$dest" 2>&1
+}
+
+run_apply() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local dest="$2"
+    local fake_bin="$3"
+
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" -y --local "$dest" 2>&1
+}
+
+run_help() {
+    local upstream="$1"
+    local fake_bin="$2"
+
+    PATH="$fake_bin:$PATH" "$BASH_UNDER_TEST" "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh" --help 2>&1
+}
+
+write_bootstrap_destination_fixture() {
+    local repo="$1"
+
+    printf 'bootstrap fixture\n' > "$repo/README.md"
+    git -C "$repo" add README.md
+
+    commit_fixture "$repo" "Initial bootstrap destination fixture"
+}
+
+main() {
+    local upstream
+    local mixed_only_upstream
+    local dest
+    local dest_branch
+    local mixed_only_dest
+    local stale_dest
+    local dirty_apply_dest
+    local dirty_apply_dest_branch
+    local noop_apply_dest
+    local noop_apply_dest_branch
+    local fake_bin
+    local bootstrap_dest
+    local bootstrap_dest_branch
+    local preview_status
+    local preview_output
+    local preview_section
+    local bootstrap_status
+    local bootstrap_output
+    local missing_manifest_status
+    local missing_manifest_output
+    local mixed_only_status
+    local mixed_only_output
+    local stale_preview_status
+    local stale_preview_output
+    local stale_preview_section
+    local dirty_apply_status
+    local dirty_apply_output
+    local noop_apply_status
+    local noop_apply_output
+    local help_output
+    local script_source
+    local dirty_skill_path
+
+    echo "=== Test: sync-to-codex-plugin dry-run regression ==="
+
+    TEST_ROOT="$(mktemp -d)"
+    trap cleanup EXIT
+
+    upstream="$TEST_ROOT/upstream"
+    mixed_only_upstream="$TEST_ROOT/mixed-only-upstream"
+    dest="$TEST_ROOT/destination"
+    mixed_only_dest="$TEST_ROOT/mixed-only-destination"
+    stale_dest="$TEST_ROOT/stale-destination"
+    dirty_apply_dest="$TEST_ROOT/dirty-apply-destination"
+    dirty_apply_dest_branch="fixture/dirty-apply-target"
+    noop_apply_dest="$TEST_ROOT/noop-apply-destination"
+    noop_apply_dest_branch="fixture/noop-apply-target"
+    bootstrap_dest="$TEST_ROOT/bootstrap-destination"
+    dest_branch="fixture/preview-target"
+    bootstrap_dest_branch="fixture/bootstrap-preview-target"
+    fake_bin="$TEST_ROOT/bin"
+
+    init_repo "$upstream"
+    write_upstream_fixture "$upstream"
+
+    init_repo "$mixed_only_upstream"
+    write_upstream_fixture "$mixed_only_upstream" 0
+
+    init_repo "$dest"
+    write_destination_fixture "$dest"
+    checkout_fixture_branch "$dest" "$dest_branch"
+    dirty_tracked_destination_skill "$dest"
+
+    init_repo "$mixed_only_dest"
+    write_destination_fixture "$mixed_only_dest"
+
+    init_repo "$stale_dest"
+    write_stale_ignored_destination_fixture "$stale_dest"
+
+    init_repo "$dirty_apply_dest"
+    write_synced_destination_fixture "$dirty_apply_dest"
+    checkout_fixture_branch "$dirty_apply_dest" "$dirty_apply_dest_branch"
+    dirty_tracked_destination_skill "$dirty_apply_dest"
+
+    init_repo "$noop_apply_dest"
+    write_synced_destination_fixture "$noop_apply_dest"
+    checkout_fixture_branch "$noop_apply_dest" "$noop_apply_dest_branch"
+
+    init_repo "$bootstrap_dest"
+    write_bootstrap_destination_fixture "$bootstrap_dest"
+    checkout_fixture_branch "$bootstrap_dest" "$bootstrap_dest_branch"
+
+    write_fake_gh "$fake_bin"
+
+    # This regression test is about dry-run content, so capture the preview
+    # output even if the current script exits nonzero in --local mode.
+    set +e
+    preview_output="$(run_preview "$upstream" "$dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    preview_status=$?
+    bootstrap_output="$(run_bootstrap_preview "$upstream" "$bootstrap_dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    bootstrap_status=$?
+    mixed_only_output="$(run_preview "$mixed_only_upstream" "$mixed_only_dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    mixed_only_status=$?
+    stale_preview_output="$(run_preview_with_stale_ignored_destination "$upstream" "$stale_dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    stale_preview_status=$?
+    dirty_apply_output="$(run_apply "$upstream" "$dirty_apply_dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    dirty_apply_status=$?
+    noop_apply_output="$(run_apply "$upstream" "$noop_apply_dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    noop_apply_status=$?
+    missing_manifest_output="$(run_preview_without_manifest "$upstream" "$dest" "$fake_bin")"
+    missing_manifest_status=$?
+    set -e
+    help_output="$(run_help "$upstream" "$fake_bin")"
+    script_source="$(cat "$upstream/scripts/sync-to-codex-plugin.sh")"
+    preview_section="$(printf '%s\n' "$preview_output" | sed -n '/^=== Preview (rsync --dry-run) ===$/,/^=== End preview ===$/p')"
+    stale_preview_section="$(printf '%s\n' "$stale_preview_output" | sed -n '/^=== Preview (rsync --dry-run) ===$/,/^=== End preview ===$/p')"
+    dirty_skill_path="$dirty_apply_dest/plugins/superpowers/skills/example/SKILL.md"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Preview assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$preview_status" "0" "Preview exits successfully"
+    assert_contains "$preview_output" "Version:  $MANIFEST_VERSION" "Preview uses manifest version"
+    assert_not_contains "$preview_output" "Version:  $PACKAGE_VERSION" "Preview does not use package.json version"
+    assert_contains "$preview_section" ".codex-plugin/plugin.json" "Preview includes manifest path"
+    assert_contains "$preview_section" "assets/superpowers-small.svg" "Preview includes SVG asset"
+    assert_contains "$preview_section" "assets/app-icon.png" "Preview includes PNG asset"
+    assert_contains "$preview_section" ".private-journal/keep.txt" "Preview includes tracked ignored file"
+    assert_not_contains "$preview_section" ".private-journal/leak.txt" "Preview excludes ignored untracked file"
+    assert_not_contains "$preview_section" "ignored-cache/" "Preview excludes pure ignored directories"
+    assert_not_contains "$preview_output" "Overlay file (.codex-plugin/plugin.json) will be regenerated" "Preview omits overlay regeneration note"
+    assert_not_contains "$preview_output" "Assets (superpowers-small.svg, app-icon.png) will be seeded from" "Preview omits assets seeding note"
+    assert_contains "$preview_section" "skills/example/SKILL.md" "Preview reflects dirty tracked destination file"
+    assert_current_branch "$dest" "$dest_branch" "Preview leaves destination checkout on its original branch"
+    assert_branch_absent "$dest" "sync/superpowers-*" "Preview does not create sync branch in destination checkout"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Mixed-directory assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$mixed_only_status" "0" "Mixed ignored directory preview exits successfully under /bin/bash"
+    assert_contains "$mixed_only_output" ".private-journal/keep.txt" "Mixed ignored directory preview still includes tracked ignored file"
+    assert_not_contains "$mixed_only_output" "ignored-cache/" "Mixed ignored directory preview has no pure ignored directory fixture"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Convergence assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$stale_preview_status" "0" "Stale ignored destination preview exits successfully"
+    assert_matches "$stale_preview_section" "\\*deleting +\\.private-journal/leak\\.txt" "Preview deletes stale ignored destination file"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Bootstrap assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$bootstrap_status" "0" "Bootstrap preview exits successfully"
+    assert_contains "$bootstrap_output" "Mode:     BOOTSTRAP (creating plugins/superpowers/ when absent)" "Bootstrap preview describes directory creation"
+    assert_not_contains "$bootstrap_output" "Assets:" "Bootstrap preview omits external assets path"
+    assert_contains "$bootstrap_output" "Dry run only. Nothing was changed or pushed." "Bootstrap preview remains dry-run only"
+    assert_path_absent "$bootstrap_dest/plugins/superpowers" "Bootstrap preview does not create destination plugin directory"
+    assert_current_branch "$bootstrap_dest" "$bootstrap_dest_branch" "Bootstrap preview leaves destination checkout on its original branch"
+    assert_branch_absent "$bootstrap_dest" "bootstrap/superpowers-*" "Bootstrap preview does not create bootstrap branch in destination checkout"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Apply assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$dirty_apply_status" "1" "Dirty local apply exits with failure"
+    assert_contains "$dirty_apply_output" "ERROR: local checkout has uncommitted changes under 'plugins/superpowers'" "Dirty local apply reports protected destination path"
+    assert_current_branch "$dirty_apply_dest" "$dirty_apply_dest_branch" "Dirty local apply leaves destination checkout on its original branch"
+    assert_branch_absent "$dirty_apply_dest" "sync/superpowers-*" "Dirty local apply does not create sync branch in destination checkout"
+    assert_file_equals "$dirty_skill_path" "# Example Skill
+
+Locally modified fixture content." "Dirty local apply preserves tracked working-tree file content"
+    assert_equals "$noop_apply_status" "0" "Clean no-op local apply exits successfully"
+    assert_contains "$noop_apply_output" "No changes — embedded plugin was already in sync with upstream" "Clean no-op local apply reports no changes"
+    assert_current_branch "$noop_apply_dest" "$noop_apply_dest_branch" "Clean no-op local apply leaves destination checkout on its original branch"
+    assert_branch_absent "$noop_apply_dest" "sync/superpowers-*" "Clean no-op local apply does not create sync branch in destination checkout"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Missing manifest assertions..."
+    assert_equals "$missing_manifest_status" "1" "Missing manifest exits with failure"
+    assert_contains "$missing_manifest_output" "ERROR: committed Codex manifest missing at" "Missing manifest reports committed manifest path"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Help assertions..."
+    assert_not_contains "$help_output" "--assets-src" "Help omits --assets-src"
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "Source assertions..."
+    assert_not_contains "$script_source" "regenerated inline" "Source drops regenerated inline phrasing"
+    assert_not_contains "$script_source" "Brand Assets directory" "Source drops Brand Assets directory phrasing"
+    assert_not_contains "$script_source" "--assets-src" "Source drops --assets-src"
+
+    if [[ $FAILURES -ne 0 ]]; then
+        echo ""
+        echo "FAILED: $FAILURES assertion(s) failed."
+        exit 1
+    fi
+
+    echo ""
+    echo "PASS"
+}
+
+main "$@"