Ichigo stared at the newcomer, taking in the cocky attitude and his confident smirk.

Yeah, I've seen guys like this before. Kinda shifty if you ask me.

"Just don't get in the way, alright. We can handle this ourselves."

L stood perfectly still, his eyes focused on his adversary.

I don't believe it. No. That's not right. I always knew he would be here – it was just a matter of finding him. But to think he has shinigami powers as well. It can't be a common ability. So what is going on?

Kai gave a helpless yelp – causing the trio to look over.

"WHAT THE HELL!!!" He screamed, using his sword to hold open the hollows mouth even as he kicked at it from the ground. "A LITTLE HELP HERE?!?"

"Oh yeah…" Ichigo mumbled. "We were fighting a hollow."

Pushing the monster back Kai glared. "Well if you remember that much how about getting your but in gear! That thing almost ate me! If I hadn't woken up in time- WOAAH!!!"

Even as the hollow lunged again a lightning fast blur dodged between it and Kai. A flash of light and the death mask split in two and with a final roar the creature disappeared.

"There?" Ichigo asked. "Better?"

"My hero!!" Kai shouted, jumping forward to hug his savior. A quick foot to the face stopped him.

"Hey! Don't just go jumping on people!"

There was a heavy thud – the sound of flesh and bone connecting with force and when Ichigo glanced over he could see the newcomer reeling from the impact with L's fist.

Light staggered before returning the favor, grabbing L's black uniform and pulling him in. L twisted and threw him, almost hitting the ground with Light when his opponent refused to let go of his clothing.

Rising to his feet Light jumped back, out of range.

"Now L, is that any way to greet a former coworker?"

"No, but it's the perfect way to greet your murderer."

Off to the side, Ichigo watched with wide eyes.

What? Did he just say-

"Hey L! What's all this about? Why are you going around punching people?"

"Ichigo." L spoke firmly. "This is the man who killed me."

"What the hell are you talking about?! You're alive and well!!"

Despite the orange-haired shinigami's protests the two launched themselves at one another again, their energies and swords clashing. With a glance L took note of Lights weapon.

I see, so then…

Breaking away. The two faced one another.

"So Ryuk is with you." L confronted Light, whose eyes widened only a moment in shock.

Ryuk laughed.

Didn't think he'd catch on so quick? L's pretty smart Light, but you knew that didn't you?

"Yeah. What of it. It's not like it's a crime or anything. And what about you?"

L raised his zanpaku-to even with his face – the silver thread bound handle and black guard shining warmly in the sun that glinted off of the strawberry charm.

"My Watari feels much the same way I do Light…we need to bring you to justice."

There was a pause. Then laughter.

"Justice? Tell me then, L-" Light taunted. "What crime am I guilty of?"

"Underestimating me Light."

For a moment the young man stood in awe, his brown eyes confused as he watched his senior approach.

"You already know." L continued. "That I can't prosecute you in this world."

Yeah, Light thought. I just realized that myself a little while ago. I haven't committed any crimes here yet.

Yet? Ryuk wondered aloud. So you'll go back to killing criminals?

Light stopped in his tracks. What?

Another punch threw him backwards and this time he was caught by Kai who glared at L over Lights shoulder. Kai's odd eyes flashed as they looked on the detective.

"What is all this nonsense? You're saying that Light killed you – but you're still alive!! That doesn't make any sense!! Are you mental?! Light wouldn't do that!!"

Moving to stand, Light shook Kai off.

"Don't worry about it Kai. It's an old score we have to settle ourselves."

Sheathing Ryuk, Light turned his back on L. "I'll settle it once and for all once I become Captain. Right now I have work to do."

"Captain?" Ichigo mouthed. "A captain of what?!"

"Light!"

Looking back, Light watched as L sheathed his own blade.

"Make no mistake, Light Yagami. You will not surpass me. The battle just now was proof of that."

L gave a childish smile. "You had trouble with that hollow, didn't you Light?"

Thinking back Light felt his confidence slip.

That monster- a hollow. It knocked me clear off the roof. I barely scratched it. But that orange haired guy took it out in one blow. Is that the sort of guy L's been training with?

"I expected more of you Light. I figured you'd have a pretty good head start on me. But it seems you're farther behind than I imagined."

"What?!"
"Hey." Ichigo interrupted. "I don't know what sort of history you two have. But we'll settle it later. The hollow's dead so there's no reason for us to sit around here is there L?"

With a smile L glanced at Ichigo. "No. No reason at all. This little matter can wait. Besides, I know I'll win in the end."

"You'll win?" Light scoffed. "We'll see about that."

"Light," L spoke, a defiant light in his eyes. "I will show you Justice before the end of it."

"No L. Justice will be mine to deal out. Just you watch."

The two men stared at one another, the feeling of rivalry growing between them.

One could almost feel the crackle in the air.

Ichigo scratched his head. "Man. Why do I get the feeling this is going to be one giant pain in the ass?"

From his nearby perch Sho watched the substitute Shinigami retreat with his dark haired friend. Once they were gone he went to where Kai and Light were seated, nursing their wounds.

"Hey."

"AHH!!!" Kai yelped, jumping to his feet. "Sho-sir! Um! Hollow- this orange haired guy-"

"I know. I saw it all. And I must say – "

He gave them a thumbs up.

"Congratulations on not dying!"

Light felt a cold sweat on his head. "Is that all you have to say to us?"

"We warned you, this is trial by fire. You either have it or you don't."

Both young men fell silent. After a moment Sho turned away.

"Come on, we're all heading back."

As L walked a few steps behind Ichigo he felt himself lost in thought.

I'm still a little surprised to have seen him. A little more than surprised at myself though.

"Hey."

L looked over at Ichigo who had stopped to watch him.

"You alright?"

"As well as I ever am."

Nodding, Ichigo continued. "So that guy. Who was he anyway? An old rival?"

With a noncommittal shrug L continued up the long stair.

"I suppose you could say…he was the only friend I ever had."

"Friend?"

Watching L ascend alone, Ichigo sighed.

What could have happened between them? They were friends once? But L said that guy had killed him. But I'm looking at him and he's alive and well! And that thing about becoming a captain or whatever. What exactly is going on here?"

Watching the mid-day sky Ichigo was at a loss.