(Okada's POV, 23:32, July 25)

'Luci, are you really planning on rewatching all of the Westfeilds footage yourself?'

'That's right, I find it likely that something happened there that we were not aware of so I'm going to watch all the camera footage personally. And, Pearl? …Pearl?'

'Yes?'

'Keep an eye on the top 3 suspects from now on.'

'So you want them followed?'

'Yes, ma'am.'

'Sometimes, I wonder if Luci is even human. I've never seen him sleep,' I quietly comment.

'Shut up Okada. Anyway, Nigel, how's the analysis of the audio going?'

'To put it bluntly, nowhere. Whatever the second Kira buried in yesterday's video, it's hidden really well. It's possible that there might not even be a hidden message at all.'

Luci's laptop screen lights up with Q's one-letter symbol, catching all our attention. As Q begins to speak, he isn't hiding some new sense of panic in his voice.

'Luci? Are you there?'

'Yes, what's the problem?'

'You know, when I was a little kid, my dad told me that a picture is worth a thousand words. But this one just says "you're fucked". This just showed up at a TTT station just outside the city.'

'Outside the city? How could any of our three suspects have gone that far unnoticed? Start the video.'

As the video starts, we see Kira in his usual setup…

…And someone else, wearing a near-identical suit, the redness of the visor (and of the inside of the cape surrounding the helmet) both replaced by green.

'…Fuck.'

'It has been a long and difficult struggle, but finally, us two Kiras have joined forces, and despite constant attacks from our enemies, I can assure all watching that our resolve has never been stronger! Together, we will rid the world of evil, first passing judgment on the criminals that I haven't yet punished, and then we will spread this power to those who deserve it, and continue to make the world a better place.'

The second Kira is the next to speak.

'For we are the promise, delivered to all mankind…'

'Seeing this… makes me feel that the first and second Kiras have joined forces.'

'Why do you think so?'

'You don't feel it? I figured you'd get the same impression I did, chief. They clearly want us to know they've joined forced to see how we'd react, since this is a serious blow to us.'

'Guys, shush, I'm trying to listen.'

'Shut up Okada!'

'Is not the very idea that we are evil and "should be" feared made clear? Is it so difficult to understand the nature of fear? It's by far the greatest device to achieve mass control! The United States, Israel, Ukraine and countless other nations have been using it for decades, especially in the years since the 9/11 attacks. Their hold over the people continues to tighten, their laws control more without the people's consent, and the masses think it's to protect them. Ha! Without us you'd be only a few short years from Airstrip One! This is what your governments are doing, taking advantage of the fear I've unintentionally instilled to tighten their hold on you all!

Even your education, your workspace, your media and your homes are all constantly monitored, and they aren't even trying to hide that fact anymore. They say it is to prevent terrorism, or reduce crime, or even to try and capture me, but in reality all they want is to control everything you see, do and think. And the more I see the world decay like this, the more I fear that even I may not be able to change things, not if people continue to let themselves be controlled by lies, fear and propaganda, running to your democracy-labelled police states every time there's a threat. Each time you do, you're even less free than before. Even if safety is somewhat returned, the rights you're constantly selling to get it are not.

This strategy of using lies, propaganda, fear, scapegoats and deceptions isn't new, no, it has been used over and over again for thousands of years. And as society evolved, people have grown more questioning and demanding of their world, and as a result, those in power have had to revamp and sophisticate their excuses and lies to keep up. But that will all change soon, for I will attempt to bring an end to this madness, to create a new world where the people are given the truth, without living in fear or having their rights taken from them.

Anyone and everyone who tries to prevent that world from being created will soon be appropriately punished, as all the filth kept hidden by the world's governments are exposed for all to see. A leader is no leader without his people, but people without a leader are lost as well, and it is for that reason that I shall lead our charge toward victory over our true enemies!

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. L, I may not know who specifically you are, but I can assure you I know enough to bring you down.'

…and the video ends there.

'There's still one thing I don't understand. Why didn't they, like, threaten me to appear on TV or something?'

'Luci…'

'Yes, Okada?'

'I wouldn't do that if I were Kira.'

'Why not?'

'Your main 3 suspects all know your personality rather well, or at least I assume so considering how much time you interact with them at Forbes High School. No matter the threat, there's no way you would appear on TV. He would definitely think of a way out of it.'

'Heh, can't get anything by you people… But if it was a main suspect, why does Kira say he doesn't know who I am? In any case, right now I'm afraid to go outside or even show my face to anyone. It may be wise to go back into hiding again.'

'…Wait a minute. How did this happen, we're smarter than this?'

'Apparently not.'

I peek over Luci's shoulder, it looks like he's texting Chris.

'I'll miss you at school, Luci. I'd like to play chess with you again when you return.'

'Yes, same here. Once I solve this case and rid the world of the Kiras, I'd enjoy that. I hope that day comes soon.'

(Luci's POV, 23:35, July 25)

'So, what's the plan now?'

This is what I don't like about being in charge of the investigation. Sometimes I get in situations where I realize they think I'm smarter than I am, and then it's just one more thing I have to fake.

'Well, we really need a clear answer on if either of the Kiras is one of our top three suspects or not. For that, let's drop the stealth and subtlety. Q, I'd like to do some direct interviewing tomorrow. Not the suspects, just those closest to them. Parents, siblings, that sort of thing.'

'But Luci, isn't that risky?'

'What, are you worried about me? How sweet. Or is it that you're just scared? Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.'

That's right. I must pursue onward, whatever the cost may be. Chris, Kallet, Connor or whoever you are, wherever you are, you are Kira and I am L. Whichever side loses will be annihilated. That's how it's always been. Do you need any other reason to fight? Come on, the one who remains standing will return alive. That's all it comes down to. And if you aren't willing to assert your strength and retain the crown then I'll destroy you, and take your place as king. All that power… all the things I could do…

(M's POV, 09:41, July 25)

Here's another reason I should never become a cop: I would just shoot. All the time. People, animals, inanimate objects, air…

'I'm a-' *Beep*

Oh, it's a video call. And on the other end, a very visibly sleep-deprived Luci Kissinger.

'Morning, Luci. How's your cute little investigation going?'

'Well, for one thing, the angel on my shoulder is now resorting to merely reminding me that, "You will regret this later". I'm not sure if she's learning how I think or just giving up. Either way, should make life a bit more interesting. How about you?'

'Not great, to be honest. I've been on a diet for a month and all I've lost was 30 days.'

'Anyway, how's alliance planning going?'

'We're still coming up with a name. My suggestions got shot down pretty quickly so it's a bit difficult.'

'What were your suggestions?'

'Axis 2, Kiran't and M-Series.'

'…Anyway, I've got some risky stuff planned for the investigation. So…'

'Hey, look on the bright side. You'll be the last person to die within your lifetime.'

'That's not funny.'

'Luci, I'm sure you'll be fine. Just be extra careful, these Kiras are even more unpredictable, for example, than we'd be if that power fell into our hands. After all, professionals are predictable. It's the amateurs that are dangerous.'

(Luci's POV, 09:10, July 26)

So, this is the Atarashimono residence. Looks like a normal place, two stories tall, not really sticking out in the neighborhood.

Okada knocks on the door, and the sound of movement reassures that someone inside heard it. While waiting, I give a quick glance around…

…still waiting…

…still waiting and that bumper sticker on her car is a little alarming.

I AM A PROUD PARENT OF TWO CHILDREN WHO HAVE RESISTED THE WESTERN EDUCATION SYSTEM'S ATTEMPTS TO BREAK THEIR SPIRITS AND BEND THEM TO THE WILL OF THEIR SUPPOSED CAPITALIST MASTERS

There's also something written on the rear-view mirror. I take a step closer to see…

OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE BLUER THAN THEY APPEAR

Oh. Wow, yeah that's dumb.

Now the footsteps inside are getting louder, so Okada and I return to the front of the door and -

'Hello there! How can I-'

'Haumea Atarashimono, we're from ANPA. Mind if we ask you a few questions?'

And just like that, her cheerful smile is gone. While she looks younger than her 36 years should allow, she's still quite intimidating. Not sure why, maybe it's the eyes. They're green like Chris', and I get a similar vibe from-

'Notto disu shitto agen. What do you want?'

'We believe that your son may be involved in potentially illegal activities-'

'I can assure you that he is not. My son would never… look, let's discuss this inside, okay? I'd rather not disturb the neighborhood.'

Before I have a chance to say anything she turns her back on me, a single brown braid of hair extending behind her down to her waist. The two of us follow her inside.

'…So, now that it's just us, mind letting me know what's really going on?'

'Excuse me?'

'Unless you have a twin brother I should know about, you've got quite a bit of explaining to do, Luci!'

'…Chris told you, didn't he?'

Why would Chris tell his mother about me? If he were Kira, he'd have no good reason to at all. It just doesn't make sense…

'…Yes, yes he did! Why are you spying on my children?! What kind of mess are you pulling them into!'

Well, I guess if you want to know someone, start by finding out what makes them mad. In any case, I don't know how much Chris has told her, and I can't take chances.

'My name is Luci, although I'm more commonly known as L. As part of the Kira investigation I've been tasked with-'

'Spying on my son, because you think he's somehow involved in the Kira case.'

'Yes.'

'Even though he's a lazy 16-year-old boy who doesn't even have the courage to admit his feelings for his crush.'

'…Yes.'

'And even though-'

'Before you continue, let me ask, what exactly are your personal thoughts on the Kira case?'

'Well, the problem with me is that I don't give a fuck but I still kinda do. But if he wipes out degenerate pigs like you, I'm standing by his side every step of the way.'

'That's a bit mean.'

'So is blasting a shopping mall down to bedrock and killing hundreds of innocent people. So is incinerating and irradiating the outback with nuclear weapons. So is violating countless-'

'Our enemy is using supernatural powers, what do you expect?!'

'Supernatural, huh? Let's make something clear. Not everything has been explained by science yet, but everything is explainable by science. And that includes-'

'Just get to your point already.'

'What point?! Why does there have to be a point to everything?! What about you, what's your point?! Let me guess, you want revenge because Kira killed one of your favorite thugs?! Even if you exact revenge, it will not bring back those who have died nor will it bring happiness to them! No! Your very existence was wrong! Your wishes must not come true!'

I am way too sober for this.

'Come on Okada, we're done here.'

(Haumea's POV, 09:20, July 26)

Did… did that work? Did I scare him away? No, wait, the quite one's turning back around. What does he have to say?

'Look, Ma'am, you don't have to support Kira to enjoy the lack of crime. I mean, I'm on the anti-Kiran task force and even I like it. Sometimes I even wonder if catching Kira is the right thing to do.'

Huh. This one, Yatsuk Okada, seems to have a mind of his own. That's a plot twist.

'Just keep yourselves away from my kids, okay? And don't underestimate what we'll do if you don't. After all, our unofficial family motto is "maybe we'll get lucky this time".'

…Not a word of response, he just left quietly. Well, I guess it wouldn't matter if he didn't. After all, you should never listen to what people say. Just watch what they do.

Farewell, then… Luci Kissinger.