[BUG] Usage meter climbs faster than context during first conversion (Opus 4.6, 1M)

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

What's wrong

After starting a session, the "Usage" meter jumps much faster than the "Context" meter during the first round of conversion, and tokens get depleted unexpectedly.

Example from my run:

[Opus 4.6 (1M context)] │ xxxxxx │ splendid-forging-flute │ 18m
Context █░░░░░░░░ 10% │ Usage █████░░░░░ 49% (resets in 4h 9m) | █░░░░░░░░ 9% (resets in 6d 9h)

I removed plugins/MCPs and deleted claude.md to reduce token usage, but usage still climbs rapidly and seems inconsistent with context usage.

Environment:

• Claude Code version: 2.1.91 (latest)
• Mode/model: Opus 4.6 (1M context)

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should not burn through tokens abnormally fast. Token consumption during the first conversion/session should be consistent with the amount of content in the session (e.g., not consuming ~49% tokens when context usage is ~10%), and should not be unexpectedly high even with plugins/MCPs disabled and claude.md removed.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

No idea

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.91

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

iTerm2

Additional Information

i use claud code Max