The next morning Aizawa and the rest of his group entered the Peninsula Hotel, after given instructions on what time to be there and the fact that their investigating location would remain there until further notice. The group stopped in front of the suite door and knocked on it, before it was quickly opened. The group came face to face with Sato, who seemed dressed down a bit, but still held that youthful appearance. "Come in." Said Sato as the group filed in one by one.
To no surprise L was in the middle of the living area of the hotel room, sitting on the floor, leaning back on the couch to support his back as he watched the television that was on the wall. The group huddled near L and quickly realized that the TV was hooked up to the laptop in front of L, resting on the coffee table.
Matsuda realized that even now L still held a single chopstick in his hand, tapping one key after another with it, his eyes scanning over what seemed like passport files. Sato sat on the couch behind L and was on a computer as well, searching over files alsol.
"Welcome, Gentlemen." Said L, not letting his eyes leave the screen as he continued to tap the arrow key to scroll down the pages.
"What is all of this?" Asked Mogi as L replied, "Our first step to finding Light and Teru. You all should get comfortable, you'll be here for a while."
Ide, Mogi, and Aizawa sat on the opposite side of L, awaiting his instructions. Matsuda, on the other hand sat next to him, making sure to not step or sit on any of his hair or kimono, but he was still able to get fairly close to him. The rest of the group had taken up the whole other side of the coffee table and besides, Matsuda wanted to get a better look at the laptop, which he continued to type on with his chopstick.
Matsuda leaned over toward L some, so that he could clearly read what was on the screen. He found that L was, indeed, looking through passport files. Matsuda scanned over then as they came onto the screen, reading over the material on each one. L stopped his typing for a moment and gazed up at the men across from him, not bothering to look at the man that was engrossed in the file on the screen.
"As you know from past events it's been rather hard pinpointing who exactly is to blame with these Kira crimes with proper evidence." Said L as he glanced to the side of him and noticed Matsuda squinting his eyes, trying to read the screen without getting to close to touch L's kimono and orange strands. L just smiled as he bundled the loose fabric close to his side and pulled his hair over one shoulder so it draped over his chest and landed in his lap.
"You don't have to be so coy and hesitant. I generally don't bite." Said L as he let out a small chuckle at his joke as he glanced at the others, waiting for their laughs, but none came. L let out a small follow up laugh and sighed, "Well, I thought it was funny," Replied the amused man, not feeling any guilt or embarrassment about his joke as Matsuda scooted a little closer while L cleared his throat and continued, "I suppose before I get too far into this I feel that there is something we should cover. It's my question to you about what you believe in as justice. All I ask is that each one of you tell me truthfully what you believe...If we were to get our hands on Light, do you think he should go through the court of law for capital punishment? The very justice system you all work for? Or through other means?"
The three men on the other side of the table looked at each other before looking down at the ground. What did they think should happen to Light? The question entered their minds and they pondered over it, looking in their heart and mind carefully for their answer.
Matsuda had placed a finger to his bottom lip at the thought. He was the first to speak as he faced L. "I believe," He started seriously, before moving his hand forward, only one finger up in a sort of gesture. Everyone turned and gave Matsuda their attention; "that Light should go through a court of law for his crimes. I mean, if we didn't go through the system and did something outrageous, well, that isn't really justice, ne?" He finished with a smile on his face.
Ide, Aizawa, and Mogi all nodded their head in agreement with Matsuda, "Yeah, he should be taken to court," Ide said and the other two nodded their heads, agreeing with the answer once more.
L took in a deep breath before letting it release quietly, "I figured you all would say that. L used to say the same thing back when he was questioning Light." L paused as he smiled at the memories of the black haired orphan that he had come to call brother.
"I could easily kill him, knowing for sure that he is Kira. The justice system would require evidence or a confession and sometimes with even that it may not be enough. Has the thought come across my mind? Of course, but wouldn't that make me just like him?" L paused as he had a solemn look on his face. "When L said that to me it made me realize I wasn't a very moral person back then...and even now."
L shook his head, pushing the thought out of his head as he replied, "Very well then. We'll enforce the justice system on Light and his crimes, but it won't be easy. Our first issue is to find him, but I think Light may have messed up and left me a lead as to what his new identity may be."
Matsuda's eyes were wide in excitement, and the rest of the group listened intently, "Really?! How'd you know?" He asked in curiosity. Matsuda, after all, had always been curious, and had a habit to blurt out the questions that came to his mind. Matsuda scooted closer to L and the screen so that he was able to see it even clearer than before to perhaps help him when L explained everything. The other men stayed silent, awaiting his explanation.
"Allow me to explain my deduction strategy. It may be a lost cause, but we have nothing to go by, so, I think you all might find this rather helpful. Once again, like before, please do not interrupt me. I will explain myself only once." Said L as he eyed Matsuda specifically. Matsuda passed him an embarrassed smile and he whispered, "I'll be quiet."
L smiled at the humble look on Matsuda's face and then looked across the group of men before placing a serious look on his face and getting down to his explanation. "As I mentioned before, the building that Teru escaped from and ended in ruins was off the coast of Japan. Specifically on the south coast of Shikoku. I tried to think of how we could start a run down on Light and it came to me quickly that the only way off the Shikoku island is through plane; since the recent trade dispute has cancelled any ships leaving their shores and entering their docks at the moment."
L paused at what he was saying as he tapped a few keys on his laptop quickly with his chopstick and glanced up at the television that was on the wall behind the group of men. "It would probably be best for you three to turn around and glance at what I put up on the screen while I explain. I think it may help you understand." Said L as the three men adjusted themselves so they could see the television screen clearly.
L glanced back over at his side at Matsuda and continued, "And you can just look at the figures I'm placing on the computer." Matsuda nodded his head as he leaned forward, staring intently, his shoulder brushing against L just slightly. Matsuda got a thick scent of jasmine that lingered on the man, it seemed to relax Matsuda.
"I just wanted to give you some visuals as I go through through this." Said L as he hit a few numbers on the keyboard. letting the figures show on the screen as he explained them.
"The way I see it, Light had to use a plane to get back here to Tokyo from Shikoku. So, the closest airport from where the building used to stand was in the prefecture, Kochi. I had Sato do some research on the airport, realizing it's rather small and limited on it's flights, which makes our search easier and less painful. Now, listen closely." L clicked on a few numbers, beginning his math equations.
"Sato was able to find out that only 45 flights leave on a daily basis from that airport. The gap between the day Mikami escaped and the day sudden deaths started was a three day period. Meaning in the course of three days, one of those days and one of those flights, Light and Mikami got on in order to get back here in Tokyo." L pressed a few more keys as more numbers collided in with each other.
"So this means that since 45 flights go out a day and we have a 3 day gap, we multiply these numbers to get a total of 135 flight options Light and Teru could have gotten on. Now, these flights don't all go to Tokyo. Some go to South Korea, London, Hong Kong, the possibilities are endless. The reason I'm looking at all of the flights instead of just the ones straight to Tokyo is because I wouldn't put it under Light to suspect we'll try to get on his tail. If he jumps from China and then to Korea and then finally here to Tokyo...It would be nearly impossible to track him. So, I want to look at every passport, every person who boarded those 135 flights between that three day period. We can't afford to skip a single passport." L paused as he tapped a few more keys.
"There are 416 passengers on one flight when it is at maximum capacity. 416 passengers multiplied by the 135 flights we need to search gives us a grand total of 56,160 passengers in which we have to look through all the passports. " L stopped as Matsuda groaned in slight pain at the thought.
"I know, it's a lot. So I'm going to take a leap in faith and have us focus on only the straight Tokyo flights at the moment. If we don't find anything in those flights well start searching the others." Said L as Matsuda nodded his head as he asked, "So, how many passengers are there that went straight to Tokyo?"
"12,480." L replied as deep sighs echoed through out the room. "It's a lot of work, yes...But Light and Mikami were on one of these flights, I know they were. And once we find that one passport that belongs to Light with his new name and identity...We've got him."
Matsuda was amazed at how L deducted all of this but one question still came up. "L...How do you know Light and Mikami are even in Tokyo?" L nodded his head and replied, "Because Mikami's birth and death certificate are here in the archives in Tokyo. Which went missing yesterday."
"Eh?!" Matsuda said wide-eyed, as it all clicked into place, "Wow! Amazing!" He said with a large smile on his face as he met the hazel eyes of L. He nodded his head toward the dazzling genius, a determined look on his face. "Let's start!" Matsuda said and pumped his fist in the air.
"Hai…" The others agreed, though they had more lackadaisical sound in their voice. L nodded his head in agreement and gave a small smile toward Matsuda, his enthusiasm amusing him, "Yes, let's…" He said as he brought up the first file.
***
Light sat at the desk in the living room, laptop open and on. He would have Mikami write more names in the Death Note while he was at work. He began his discreet research, making sure to delete, remove, and overall leave no trace that he was ever at those sites. After getting the names and pictures of 150 more criminals he just left the computer on. He heard the sound of footsteps and turned to find Teru walking towards him, still a little groggy, but fighting it off as fast as possible.
Light pushed the chair back and raised to his feet, Teru realized Light was already dressed up for the day. His hair groomed and his new hip scene look already hiding his true age.
"There is another list on the computer. Mug shots to go with each name." Said Light as he glanced at the computer for a moment before glancing up at Teru and passing him a small smile. "I'm sorry to be leaving you alone in the room once again, but school classes start early on weekdays."
Teru passed Light a confused look as he pulled his glasses up to his face and letting them rest on his nose. "Classes?" Asked Mikami as Light let out an amused chuckle towards Mikami's reaction as he replied, "I suppose that does seem odd doesn't it?"
Light walked away from the desk and began to put a few notebooks and textbooks inside his book bag. As he shuffled with his things he continued, "My life has been a complete cover, just to be sure not to be suspected by the police and the NPA. I've had to lie low, meaning a discrete job as to act as a civilian that wouldn't be bothered with their low status. So, during the day I am a student at the local junior college and at night I spend a few hours at my job. So far it's worked, no one could suspect me anyways. I don't look anything like I used to and my name is completely different now along with all of my files. If anyone were to look up my name, they would find out I died a year ago."
Mikami nodded his head and a few more strands fell from his, now loose, pony-tail placed highly on his head. It all made sense; God wanted to remain unnoticed until it was inevitable to the world that Kira had returned and that he would be here to stay…No one can stop God.
Light picked up his bag and hung it from one of his shoulders. He nodded his head, "I'll be back later, Teru," He said, "I trust that you will complete your task before I return." Mikami nodded his head, "Of course, My Lord." He said as Light smirked slightly before walking to the front door and opening it. He looked behind his shoulder to see Mikami once again and gave a nod of parting, which Teru returned. Light closed the door to the penthouse and Teru stood in the lonely living room.
***
Matsuda let out a tired sigh as he watched L tap the arrow key at a slow pace, analyzing each passport carefully. The young agent turned his head and saw Ide, Mogi, and Aizawa working on another computer, analyzing more passports.
A yawn escaped Matsuda's lips, it was only mid day, but it was also day three of their investigation and they were still going through passport files. Criminals were dropping like flies and all that was in the news nowadays was the return of Kira and the defeat of L.
"Come on, Matsuda. Keep you're eyes open." Said L as he didn't bother to look away from his computer screen. Matsuda quickly stood up and stretched his body. "Man, I don't know how you sit on the floor like that all the time. It kills my back." Said Matsuda.
"That's because you have bad posture." L retorted as he continued to scroll down. His chopstick came to a stop as he analyzed the passport in front of him. L glanced to the side of his computer on the table where he saw two large pictures of both Light and Mikami for reference.
"Hey, I don't think my posture's that bad." Said Matsuda as L looked back at the computer screen. "My mom always used to say that if-"
"Sato." L called out the boys name as Sato glanced over at L, he was also searching through files. "Call the Sakura TV station. Tell them the NPA demands use of their eight o' clock news broadcast and that we'll be sending a tape for them to play. Tell them that L is finally going to send a message out to Kira and have them advertise headlines throughout their tv programs that L will make this announcement at eight on their station." Said L as he smiled at the screen.
"What's the message going to be?" Asked Aizawa as L clicked a few keys and the group saw a passport pop up on the television screen. L raised himself to his feet, passing Matsuda in height by only a few inches as he smiled at the screen in victory.
"The message?...That I've got Kira, or should I say, Raito Haruki." L smirked as the image of the newly developed Light appeared on the television screen. Matsuda's eyes widened at the sight of the man, amazed to see that he was in fact live and well.
"Light..." Matsuda whispered.