The “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, known for its intricate exploration of “Puberty Syndrome” and its impact on the lives of high school and now university students, continues to captivate audiences. While many are familiar with the original Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, a new series, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, premiered in July 2025, delving into Sakuta Azusagawa’s college life and introducing new enigmatic phenomena. Episode 6 of this latest installment has left viewers with a compelling blend of mystery and emotional depth, primarily centering on the Puberty Syndrome affecting Ikumi Akagi and her surprising connection to Sakuta’s past.
The Current Arc: Ikumi Akagi’s Puberty Syndrome
Episode 6 of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus picks up directly from a cliffhanger, with Ikumi Akagi, a character whose heroic actions are driven by a deep, almost frightening desire to help others, being struck by a mysterious force. This incident leads Sakuta to the infirmary where he begins to investigate the root of her Puberty Syndrome. Saki, Ikumi’s friend, clarifies that Ikumi’s motivations are not self-serving but stem from a genuine, albeit intense, wish to be helpful.
The Poltergeist-like Phenomenon and Past Connections
Ikumi describes her condition as akin to a poltergeist, hinting that while she knows how to fix it, the solution is difficult. Sakuta’s investigation into Ikumi’s syndrome quickly uncovers a surprising revelation: her condition is somehow connected to a past event involving him. Determined to recall this occurrence, Sakuta’s quest for answers forms the core of the episode.
He first learns from Kotomi that Ikumi had an older boyfriend in high school, which led to a scandal. Later, Sakuta speaks with Ikumi’s ex-boyfriend, Seiichi, who reveals their breakup was due to his anxiety, and that Ikumi had posted about a dream of getting arrested after a bodily injury incident.
Unearthing Buried Feelings and Guilt
A significant development in understanding Ikumi’s Puberty Syndrome comes from Miwako, Kaede’s counselor, who also assists Ikumi in her volunteering work. Miwako infers that Ikumi’s complex feelings toward Sakuta may stem from her inability to help him during their middle school days when he was isolated. This suggests Ikumi’s current desire to be a “hero of justice” might be driven by past guilt or regret over not supporting Sakuta when he needed it most. Rio, a key figure in analyzing Puberty Syndrome, hypothesizes that Ikumi’s syndrome might be linked to her love for Sakuta, a theory she quickly discards, urging him instead to remember their past.
The Enigmatic Miniskirt Santa
Adding another layer of mystery to the ongoing narrative, Episode 6 also features the reappearance of the “miniskirt Santa” character, Touko Kirishima. This version of Touko, who claims to be “gifting Puberty Syndrome” to people, challenges Sakuta’s understanding of the phenomena he’s encountered. She tells Sakuta, “My name… is Touko Kirishima,” a phrase he’s heard before, deepening the intrigue surrounding her role in the current events. Her appearance further complicates the “dreaming hashtag” phenomenon, initially thought to be a way for Ikumi to make dreams come true, but now presented as Santa granting the ability to see the future.
The Broader “Rascal Does Not Dream” Universe
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is the latest anime adaptation of Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series, specifically adapting the “University Student Arc.” This series continues the overarching narrative of Sakuta Azusagawa encountering various girls affected by Puberty Syndrome, even as he transitions into university life alongside his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima. The franchise has seen multiple anime adaptations, including the initial Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018) and several films like Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019), Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023), and Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023).
Episode 6, like many before it in the franchise, leans heavily into themes of mystery and the supernatural, making it one of the most perplexing yet intriguing installments in the Santa Claus series so far. It continues to build on the complex relationships and supernatural occurrences that define the “Rascal Does Not Dream” universe, setting the stage for further revelations as Sakuta delves deeper into Ikumi’s past and the true nature of the “Santa Claus” Puberty Syndrome.
