diff --git a/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.test.ts b/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.test.ts
index 55daae5c..00549efe 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.test.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.test.ts
@@ -186,8 +186,8 @@ describe("buildConditionalToolSections", () => {
     const text = result.join("\n");
     expect(text).toContain("## Data Access");
     expect(text).toContain("dynamic evidence decision");
-    expect(text).toContain("Tool Decision");
-    expect(text).toContain("plan (`data_only` | `hybrid` | `web_first`)");
+    expect(text).toContain("Make this evidence decision internally");
+    expect(text).toContain("user-facing research rationale");
   });
 
   it("returns empty when no conditional tools match", () => {
diff --git a/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.ts b/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.ts
index 2fe2cf8b..52809aad 100644
--- a/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.ts
+++ b/packages/core/src/agent/system-prompt/sections.ts
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ export function buildConditionalToolSections(
         : "Use tool outputs as evidence, and clearly state assumptions when data is incomplete.",
       ...(hasWebTools
         ? [
-            "Before final conclusions, include a short `Tool Decision` summary with: plan (`data_only` | `hybrid` | `web_first`), reason, and missing evidence impact.",
+            "Make this evidence decision internally. In final answers, present concise user-facing research rationale instead of technical decision labels unless the user asks for methodology details.",
           ]
         : []),
       "",