Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 4, titled “Ally of Justice” or “Heroism,” premiered on July 26, 2025, marking the official start of the “Nightingale Arc” and delving deeper into the enigmatic Touko Kirishima and the viral “Dreaming” trend. This installment, adapting volume 11 of the light novel series, continues Sakuta Azusagawa’s journey through new manifestations of Puberty Syndrome during his university life.
The Miniskirt Santa’s Revelation and Puberty Syndrome
The episode picks up with Sakuta’s encounter with the mysterious girl in a Santa Claus costume, Touko Kirishima, who reveals herself as the source of widespread Puberty Syndromes. Kirishima claims to have distributed these “presents” to millions, including Sakuta’s former middle school classmate, Ikumi Akagi. This revelation broadens the understanding of Puberty Syndrome, suggesting it can be bestowed upon individuals rather than solely manifesting from adolescent anxieties.
The Viral “Dreaming” Trend
A significant new element introduced in this episode is the “Dreaming” trend, where messages posted on social media with the hashtag #Dreaming seemingly come true, acting as prophecies. This trend ranges from romantic predictions to more alarming incidents, such as a girl being hit by a lantern. Sakuta becomes aware of this phenomenon during a matchmaking party he attends with friends.
Ikumi Akagi and the Nightingale Arc
The “Nightingale Arc” specifically revolves around Ikumi Akagi, a character who has previously been a minor presence but now takes a central role due to her involvement with the “Dreaming” trend and her connection to Touko Kirishima’s distributed Puberty Syndromes. Ikumi, now a nursing student at Sakuta’s university, uses the “Dreaming” trend to prevent a girl from harm, leading Sakuta to investigate the nature of her Puberty Syndrome and her motivations.
Sakuta’s University Life and Reunions
As Sakuta navigates his university life in Kanazawa-hakkei alongside his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima, he also reunites with friends like Rio and Yuuma. Their discussions touch upon their differing life paths, with Yuuma mentioning his work as a firefighter. Sakuta’s participation in a joint party with female nursing students further integrates him into the new social dynamics of his university environment, where he learns more about the “Dreaming” rumor.
Where to Watch Episode 4
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 4 aired on July 26, 2025, in Japan on networks like Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, and BS11. Internationally, the episode became available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The series is slated for a 12-episode season, with new episodes releasing weekly.
