Chapter 69

October 1st

It's almost been two months since Ryuzaki and Light's little spat, and since then we've been as busy as ever with the Third Kira. The worlds been busy too…I've watched it change with Kira's rebirth…When Light was Kira here was fear, he was an avenging God who punished and brought about justice…or that's what people thought. Criminals cowered in fear, wondering if they'd be next, and naturally through good behavior or the death of those criminals, the crime rate dropped. Then Light and Misa went into confinement…and once the world realized Kira was gone…well crime spiked again. That is until this Third Kira appeared and began killing more than just the type of criminals Light had, this Third Kira killed people who took advantage of others for monetary gain…Anyone who committed a crime for money, even if they were only accused are not safe from this new Kira. That's not the only thing I've noticed either…With our new computer system it's been easier to take our victims and deaths and create charts based on the data; and what I've discovered is that this Kira is slowly been trickling in businessmen. When Light was Kira he cared more about violent criminals until we called him out, then he killed whoever appeared on T.V.. Misa focused on women who committed crimes, domestic abusers, and anyone who stood against Kira in the media…but this time I've noticed that a lot more names are associated with big business corporations…and maybe one or two are coincidences…but Kira can also control people before their deaths…So that accident where the businessman wrapped his car around a pole…could have actually been murdered by Kira.

"Ryuzaki, I know you're not feeling up to it, but come over here for a second. Suzuki you too, I could use your eyes." Light taps away at the computer while Ryuzaki pouts next to him in a chair. He's sitting backwards and peeks at me over the chairs back and I smile as I stand to join Light.

Ryuzaki's been like this since the fight, he's stuck in a rut, depressed. I've tried to help him, but there's only so much I can do when he's chained to Light and it's not like I can get him alone…

"Take a close look at this…" Light watches Ryuzaki as he slides himself over, but I just stand behind them. "This can't just be a coincidence. All of them were prominent Japanese businessmen and CEO's whose companies are leaders in their respective industries, and in just over a month they all died of heart attacks." I feel my eyebrows raise. Holy shit… "As expected, there been a general downturn in the market with the exception of Yotsuba. In other words, it looks like their deaths have worked in Yotsuba's favor. Looking back there were 13 similar deaths in the past three months." Light turns to look at me. "You were right to suggest I look into those businessmen, it just seemed odd that Kira would kill them, but not anyone from Yotsuba, actually that's not true, there were one or two, but I have a feeling that Kira is supporting them, if not a member himself." Light looks back at the computer and Ryuzaki puts his thumb to his mouth, thinking.

"So, the Third Kira is in it for the money, and all the other murders are camouflage for his real goal." I add my two cents to see if it kicks Ryuzaki's brain into gear.

"Right, punishing criminals is a diversion, it obscures the fact that he's actually killing people for the benefit of his company…" Light turns to Ryuzaki. "What do you say Ryuzaki, are you a bit more motivated now?"

"You once mentioned that if an adult had this power, he'd use it for his own benefit, or to make money…this would fit that…though since Kira and the Second Kira existed simultaneously this could be an entirely new Kira."

What does he mean, 'could be'? He knows damn well it is…

"Well, good work Light, very impressive."

"I couldn't have done it without Suzuki, Ryuzaki. If she didn't ask me to look into those businessmen, then I wouldn't have been able to find the connection." Light looks back up at me and smiles.

Pure Light is nice, but it freaks me out sometimes…the way he changed so dramatically…like two completely different people.

"Oh, well, nice job Suzuki." Ryuzaki looks at me with a smile as Light turns back around.

"And thanks to this new system we can access police, public, and media data from all over the world. When Suzuki first asked, I didn't know where to start, so I just started with the theory that Kira was still in Japan and searched based on that. The fact is most of Kira's victims are in Japan and from there I compared the names with the names covered by the media. Once I did that, it became clear that Kira gets his information from local Japanese sources." Light pauses."

That's exactly what I thought…those criminals in the beginning were from local T.V. stations…

"Since Kira kills with heart attacks, I thought there maybe some that slipped our radar. So, I searched for all the people who died of heart attacks up to now including non-criminals. Now normally that would be an incredible amount of work, but this system made it relatively fast. I had planned to carefully examine every heart attack victim over the last five months, but I quickly noticed three suspicious cases. Two would be considered coincidence, but three?" Light takes a breath and clicks a few buttons until we're looking at a list of names and dates. "Sekimaru Corps VP of Development Roppei Tamiya, Aoi Industries Director of Integrated Systems Kouji Aoi, and Former Yotsuba Vice President Takeyoshi Moriya…All three were important positions in the Japanese Business world and all died of heart attacks."

So Yotsuba did kill one of their own…maybe Kira killed him to gain his position…I know he was killing business people, but I never thought he'd leave a trail of breadcrumbs we could follow so easily…

"I researched Sekimaru, Aoi, and Yotsuba. Yotsuba's stock has been rising steadily while Sekimaru and Aoi have been plummeting." Light clicks to a chart which shows the downfall of the companies stock, while one arrow labeled Yotsuba, goes up. Ryuzaki fidgets and I can tell Light has him really interested now.

"So, then you did further research into other deaths involving people in the business world?"

"Yeah, and look…" He pulls up another page, another list of names. "Thirteen deaths that were beneficial to Yotsuba in only three months…from the other company's point of view, only two or three were beneficial. Besides the three I told you about the rest died in accidents or by disease. One committed suicide and two were killed this week by Kira…" Light pauses letting us process. Ryuzaki looks over all the charts and I shift my weight from foot to foot and fold my arms.

"These three months were after your confinement…The killings stopped and then picked back up again…this intrigues me…" Ryuzaki sighs lightly, thinking out loud.

"So, what do you think Ryuzaki? It looks like Kira is supporting Yotsuba."

"Yes Light, it does look that way, but if that's the case then this Kira…" Ryuzaki trails off.

"Can kill in other ways than heart attacks…" Light finishes the thought and they both look shocked.

It's hard to keep straight what information I've given the Task Force and what's stayed between Ryuzaki and I…I don't know why, but the fact that this Kira can kill in other ways doesn't surprise me…did Ryuk mention it? Or is the jump from controlling one's death and controlling in what way they die not that big…and I assumed that Kira was choosing heart attacks on purpose…Did Ryuk ever mention anything about how the Death Note worked? I remember the whole 'if you write someone's name in it, they'll die' bit, but I don't remember him going into any more detail than that…Are heart attacks a default? Are they just the easiest form? The most believable? It's been so long since I talked to him, I can't remember…Is this the first time we've had concrete proof that Kira can control how a person dies? This whole time I was the only one who thought it was a preference? I don't understand…

"Let's do some more digging into this and create a file to show the others when they return." Ryuzaki looks up at me and then to Light. "Good job you two, I know I haven't been very helpful, but I'm glad you continued on without me; now we have a lead." Light smiles as Ryuzaki gives us our marching orders.

. . .

It doesn't take long to get the paperwork together and soon I find myself sitting across Matsuda and Aizawa, with Ryuzaki and Light beside me.

You're right, this is very suspicious." Aizawa takes a few minutes to read through our files before setting them back on the table. He rubs his chin looking stunned. "For this many people who are in competition with Yotsuba to die…"

Matsuda nods. "I've heard of big businesses sabotaging each other to get ahead, but this-" Aizawa cuts him off.

"Nobody does that anymore."

Ryuzaki puts his thumb to his mouth, thinking. "Yes, but Yotsuba is doing that. The question is…is Kira behind all these deaths or not…" Aizawa is skeptical and honestly I don't blame him, it's a lot to take in.

"Wait, you think Kira is behind all of them?"

"It's three cases of heart attacks so it is possible, though my reasoning can be wrong…so maybe you shouldn't put so much faith in me…" I nudge him with my elbow as his depressing suggestion trails off.

"Ryuzaki, we put our faith in you because you're normally right. We're not going to stop because you made a mistake, and besides if Kira was controlling Light or gave him the power and was able to take it away, you weren't really wrong. Light was Kira, but he's just not anymore." Light nods even though he doesn't like what I'm saying.

"As much as I hate to say it, she's right." I look at him shocked at his agreement. "If I was so certain that I was Kira that I let you confine me, and then turned around and claimed I was framed, it's possible that I was Kira…and then lost the ability…and apparently my memories…So you weren't really wrong, Ryuzaki. But if I was…I still can't imagine I could be capable of committing such heinous crimes…Especially because I can't remember them…" Light trails off but Ryuzaki still doesn't seem better.

"So, what are you saying, Ryuzaki? That Yotsuba hired Kira to help them? Aizawa's tone is serious, and I know that he's on board now.

"No, that's impossible." He says it so definitely that it surprises Aizawa and he's taken back a bit.

"What, why?"

"Because that would mean a company found Kira before I did, and that's not possible."

Okay…maybe our little pep talk did work…

"You just told us not to put faith in your reasoning, yet now you're super confident? Which is it?" Aizawa is beside himself and it's no wonder, that change in emotion practically gave me whiplash.

"I was sulking earlier…even if it's a big business I can't imagine Kira helping them after being discovered. I'd expect Kira to immediately kill the person who discovered him. However, a better theory would be that someone in Yotsuba is Kira, or at the very least has Kira-like powers." Ryuzaki finishes, but Aizawa has another theory.

"But what if Kira went to them? Maybe he figured he'd need money for something in the future…" I lean forward, elbows on my knees, head on my fist.

"Aizawa, this Kira might be new, but I'm not sure he's doing it for money, at least not in the way you're thinking." He gives me a look I can't quite decipher. "Let me rephrase…I believe Kira is a part of Yotsuba and he's killing people to further the company." He nods, but I can't quite tell if he's on board with my theory or not.

"Either way, we better look into this…but infiltrating a big business like Yotsuba…I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"Watari is pretty well respected in the business world, but if Kira is directly involved then it's too dangerous to send him alone." Light looks at Ryuzaki confused.

"Who's Watari?"

Ryuzaki points to the screens behind us, but I'm confused because Watari was the one who brought Light out to the car that day, so how does he not know who he is? "Watari is the one who appears on the computer from time to time. The one I had you thinking was another L." I raise an eyebrow.

Another L? I never got that impression, but maybe that's because I've known Watari from the beginning.

Light nods accepting the explanation. "Oh, that guy…" Ryuzaki stands and due to the chain, Light has to as well, this starts a chain reaction, and everyone stands. Ryuzaki puts his hands in his pockets and starts walking toward the computers dragging Light behind him.

"Chief Yagami should be back from the National Police Agency soon. We can decide how to attack then, but for now let's see what else we can do…" I follow close behind as Light volunteers first.

"I think I'll see if I can hack into Yotsuba's main computer."

"I'll look into how Yotsuba is organized." Aizawa also volunteers, but Matsuda just stands there for a minute.

"I'll um…I'll…" I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Let's go get some coffee. The Chief won't be back for a bit and I could use a walk." He smiles at me and chuckles uncomfortably, recognizing what I'm doing as a rescue.

"Yeah, thanks Suzuki…" I clap him on the back and give Ryuzaki one last glance before taking Matsuda out for coffee.

Hi everyone, sorry for not posting any authors notes lately, I've been going through a lot in my personal life. Y'know it just dawned on me that I've been keeping this fic going for 3 years. That's a long time, thanks to all of you who've been with me from the very beginning, and thanks to everyone who's just now finding my story. Each time i get a comment or review it renews me with energy to continue the book. So i really appreciate you.

So I think right now I should mention a few things...I'm an avid Tumblr user and some stuff has been going around about reviewers who are not so nice and ask authors why we're not pounding out chapters during this Quarantine...now this hasn't happened to me personally, but i'd like to give everyone a little look into my life right now. I have a full-time job, actually *chuckles* I got a new job at a Hospital just a month before this Virus hit. Yeah quite a time to be new, i know, it's been a roller coaster ride for sure. But with that being said i try my best to give you chapters in a timely fashion, month to month is my goal, but sometimes that just doesn't happen and i apologize. So i guess what i'm saying is that, before anyone asks, or demands in some cases, that i post more because of the quarantine , I'm not home. I'm concidered essential and have to report to work every day...so yeah ^^' Now that that unpleasantness is out of the way let me backtrack a few chapters and say hello to our new readers.

Favs- xxSinxx, CreedTheCheshire, Bevan Dsouza, dianackerman31. Thank you all for your favorite it means a lot.

Follows- noman181, xxSinxx, CreedTheCheshire, Bevan Dsouza, and dianackerman31. Thank you for following as well.

Reviews - oh gosh i have quite a few, i love it when you guys comment. lets start with...

Little Sunflower1 - Chapter 62 - Ah! this was such a great chapter and very spicy. You are always my favourite writer and always enjoy each chapter you put out. thank you for taking your time to write this.

A - Oh gosh, the smut chapter, i'm mortified you all had to witness my attempt at smut. *blushes* Thank you for your kind words.

Little Sunflower1 - chapter 63 - I loved 62. don't worry You're still an excellent writer. I actively follow this story. you are a great writer and I'm glad you are writing the confinement scene. Thank you for writing the story by the way. it's excellent.

A - oh wow another from Sunflower, lol, than you for your continued comments it really does mean a lot. Oh gosh, 62 *shakes head embarrassed* You think i'm a good writer? Lol thank you i really really try, but sometimes i feel as though my writing style falls through a bit. Like with this chapter i feel as though i'm telling you a bit too much who's speaking...

cloudlesky - chapter 64 - i saw u haven't been getting any new comments so i just wanted to say i really love the story! can't wait for the yotsuba arc :) hope u update soon!

A - awe thank you so much 3 The Yotsuba Arc is here! And it's been a bit of a challenge lol. I was wondering also, if it feels like Suzuki is too emotional, or if it feels like she's not doing anything half the time...I keep feeling like she's getting mad at him over nothing and that every time i turn around she's taking a break from working...

Little Sunflower1 - chapter 65 - I love this new chapter ahhh. you such a good writer.

A - Lol thank you Sunflower 3

noman181 - chapter 1 - '"saaa

A- Oh a chapter one comment...i don't really know what that means but thanks for commenting ^^

hateme101 - chapter 67 - love it

A - Thanks ^^

xxSinxx - chapter 67 - Oh my gosh, this story is amazing! I totally love the way you write characters, they don't seem ooc at all, and you've done a great job with fitting an original character into the plot as well. Your writing is amazing and I'll be waiting for the next update. Until next time~

A - You do? Oh thank you and i appreciate you saying that. I feel like any form of romantic feelings or public displays of affection are so out of character for L that it's hard to write. Lol thank you, sometimes i feel as though i'm just sticking her in where another character would have said dialogue and giving it to her.

Little Sunflower1 - chapter 68 - God I love this so much

A - Lol thank you Sunflower.

Bevan Dsouza - chapter 26 - This story is really amazing! I really liked it... So, are you still working on that story or did you stop working on it?

A - Oh wow way back to chapter 26. I went back to 26 and checked my authors notes and couldn't find a reference to another story so i'm not sure which fic 'that' is. However if you meant 'This' story, than i am still actively working on it! i'm just really slow. Like i said above, with work and all i don't have much time to write, but i won't give up until it's done.

Thank you to all of you who reviewed i really look forward to your comments 3 Alright, 70 is done but i just have to type it up, hope to see you soon!