Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid is a 2023 Japanese animated supernatural romantic drama film based on the ninth volume of the light novel series Rascal Does Not Dream written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Kēji Mizoguchi. The film is produced by CloverWorks, serves as a sequel to the anime film Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out, and marks the end of the High School Student Arc of the series.
It was released in Japan on December 1, 2023.
In its post-credits scene, the University Student Arc is announced.
Plot
In a dream, Sakuta envisions a young Mai Sakurajima on a beach asking him if he is lost. Sakuta wakes up and continues his life as usual; going to high school, studying for university, working, and dating Mai. One evening while studying with her, Mai brings out a marriage certificate she received as a half-joke from her co-stars which they both fill out. Sakuta asks her to keep it despite her protests, but says it is more beneficial for her to hold onto it than him at the time. Before she leaves, Sakuta shows Mai a new scar stemming from his belly button. They assume it is a new Puberty Syndrome case, with Futaba asking him to consult young Shoko Makinohara as she knows of multiple realities, but they leave it for the time being.