Light suspected there would be more of L keeping an eye on him. He had suspected as much the moment the cameras had been removed, and his suspicions were confirmed when Ryuk made him aware of his stalker.
Honestly, someone like L would never settle for such a small investigative team for a case as big as the Kira case.
Light couldn't help but laugh at the stupidity of the NPA for believing L would keep this an internal affair.
Not that they were even aware of his shadow lurking in the background.
Light leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. He squeezed his eyes shut—then cracked one open, stealing a glance at his stalker. The man was stationed by a streetlight, posture stiff, gaze locked onto Light's window.
When Light had first found the cameras had been removed, relief had washed over him. Despite his confidence in staying in character under surveillance, it didn't make him any more comfortable being watched 24/7.
Of course, just cameras and wiretaps would have been too easy. His relief was short-lived once Ryuk made him aware of the new presence shadowing his every move.
That would just have to be another inconvenience he dealt with in due time.
"Ryuk—" Light started, ensuring his lips barely moved as he spoke.
"You know, Light, I could make things a lot easier for you." Ryuk's grin widened as he tilted his head. "That deal is still on the table."
Light exhaled sharply through his nose, irritation flickering across his face. He turned from the window, keeping his back to it as he spoke "I already told you. No."
Ryuk chuckled, floating lazily above. "Just thought I'd ask again. Never know when you'll change your mind."
"If I haven't yet, I won't," Light muttered, turning his head slightly to glance at the figure outside. "I'm not that desperate."
"You say that now," Ryuk mused. "But the eye deal is pretty tempting when you're running out of options."
Before Light could respond, a knock on his door cut him off.
Light sat completely still, staring at the door, waiting.
Another knock, softer this time. "Light… son, can I come in?" Soichiro's voice was muffled through the wood, but the hesitation in his tone was unmistakable.
Light sighed, just audible enough. Just the right amount of reluctance. "Uh, yeah, Dad, you can come in."
As the door creaked open, Light's eyes flicked to Ryuk, who hovered near the ceiling with an amused grin. No matter how many times he reminded himself that only he could see the shinigami, it never truly erased the sense of unease when others were in the room.
Soichiro stepped inside, his usual authority replaced by something more hesitant, more uncertain. His eyes swept over Light, lingering—just for a second—on his covered arms before shifting toward the window. His brows furrowed slightly, gaze scanning beyond the glass. Outside, Raye Penber quickly shifted out of view, blending into the shadows below.
"How have you been feeling?" Soichiro asked, finally returning his focus to Light. "With school, and… everything else?"
There it was again. The worried father routine Soichiro had adopted as of recent. Light internally suppressed his irritation, instead forcing his expression into something softer—thoughtful, but guarded.
"I'm fine, Dad. Just… a little overwhelmed lately." He exhaled through his nose, lowering his gaze. "Exams are coming up, and with all the extra pressure… I guess I've been pushing myself too hard."
It was a delicate balance—revealing just enough to be believable, just enough to give his father something to hold onto. Not a lie, but not the truth either. The best deceptions never were.
Soichiro studied him, his face unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders remained. "I know you have high expectations for yourself, son. But you don't have to carry everything alone. If something's wrong… if you're feeling—"
"Dad, really," Light cut in, shaking his head with a practiced, weary chuckle. "I appreciate it, but you don't have to worry so much. I promise, I'm okay."
A promise meant nothing. Not when it came from him.
Soichiro hesitated, then finally sighed, nodding. "Alright. Just… don't be afraid to talk to me, okay?"
"Of course," Light said, offering a tired but reassuring smile. "Thanks, Dad."
His father gave a small, lingering nod before stepping back toward the door. "Get some rest, Light. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The door shut with a quiet click.
Light's smile faded instantly.
He waited—listening to the fading footsteps, the distant murmur of his mother's voice downstairs. When he was sure he was alone, he turned his attention back to the window. The curtains remained open, just as they had been throughout the conversation.
Outside, hidden in the dim glow of the streetlights, Raye Penber stood watching.
Raye shifted his stance, rubbing his gloved hands together for warmth as he kept his eyes trained on the Yagami household.
He had seen Soichiro enter the room. Had seen the way he lingered at the window, his expression heavy with concern. And now, watching as the bedroom light flicked off, Raye let out a slow breath.
A high schooler. That's who L suspected. A teenage boy who, sure, was intelligent—maybe even a little unnerving in how put-together he seemed—but a serial killer? The world's most dangerous mass murderer?
Raye wasn't convinced.
Sure, the kid was under immense pressure. His record alone showed the kind of perfectionism that could break a person. But that didn't make him Kira.
Raye sighed, adjusting his earpiece. "Nothing unusual to report. Yagami is going to bed."
A static-laced confirmation came through, and Raye took that as his cue to leave.
As he walked away, the curtains of Light's window finally drew shut.
The streets were quiet as Light walked toward the bus stop, Ryuk floating beside him, his wide grin never faltering.
Ryuk let out a low chuckle. "A date, huh? That's unexpected."
Light smirked slightly, hands tucked into his pockets. "It's a date no matter how you look at it. I'm sure even my stalker will see it that way."
Ryuk's amusement was palpable. "But this isn't just a date, is it? You said you'd figured out a way to find your stalker's name. So tell me, what do you plan on doing?"
Light exhaled through his nose, keeping his tone light. "Huh? Come on, didn't you see what I wrote in the Death Note? I explained it in great detail."
Ryuk cackled, his wings flaring slightly. "No. Doing that would take all the fun out of it."
Light's smirk deepened. "In that case, just be patient and watch what happens."
As they neared the bus stop, Light's expression shifted seamlessly. His usual calculating demeanor softened into something warmer, something more inviting. He spotted Yuri standing under the shelter, eyes fixed on her phone, oblivious to his approach.
A bus rumbled past, stirring a breeze that tousled her hair. She glanced up just in time to see him striding toward her.
She waved eagerly. "Light!"
Light returned the smile effortlessly. "Sorry, did i keep you waiting?"
She beamed. "No not at all. Anyway, it's been forever since I've been to Space Land! This is going to be so much fun."
Yuri clung to his arm, practically bouncing on her feet. "And the best part is, I have you all to myself!"
Light forced a chuckle. "Uh, yeah."
From the shadows behind a nearby stairway, Raye Penber watched, expression unreadable.
Raye's gaze followed Light carefully. During the week, he goes to school and cram school at night. He tapped a note into his small notebook. Dates on his day off. Normal kid, just a hardworking senior in high school. Chief Yagami's son, Light Yagami. He frowned slightly, making another note. No cause for suspicion.
A bus pulled up to the stop, its brakes hissing as it came to a halt. Light and Yuri stepped up to it. Light gestured toward the entrance with a slight smile. "Shall we?"
They took their seats near the back of the bus, Yuri chatting animatedly beside him while Light listened with an easy smile, ever the perfect companion.
As they boarded, Ryuk let out a low chuckle, floating lazily above the seats, unseen by all but Light.
In the seat behind them, Raye Penber sat, silent but observant.
Light smirked. The pieces were set. Now it was time for the show to begin.
The hum of the engine droned on as Light Yagami sat with his eyes closed, the soft murmurs of other passengers blending into the background. Across from him, Yuri chatted noisily, oblivious to the man sitting just behind them—Raye Penber. He observed quietly, his sharp gaze flicking over the passengers without drawing attention to himself.
The bus rolled to a stop, its doors hissing open. A man stepped inside. Light's eyes snapped open as recognition flared in his mind. Kiichiro Osoreda—his face had been on the article Light studied earlier. A small smirk threatened to curl at his lips.
It's him. Seven passengers besides him. No interference. This will go exactly as I want.
A click. The sharp sound of a gun being cocked. The driver stiffened, eyes wide in fear as Osoreda pointed the weapon at him.
"Stay in your seats unless you want to die." the hijacker snarled. A woman whimpered somewhere near the front.
Raye's hand twitched toward his jacket, but he forced himself to stay still. A bus jacking? Just my luck. He thought.
Osoreda's voice cut through the tense silence. "Shut up! If anyone moves, they die!" He turned to the driver. "Call Space Land. Now."
The driver fumbled with his phone, voice trembling. "Th-this is… Bus 1-7-4."
"Tell them what's happening. No tricks."
"My bus has been hijacked," the driver stammered. "He has a gun."
Osoreda leaned in, his breath hot against the driver's ear as he snached the phone. "You here that? Have a female staff member bring all the cash from yesterday's sales to the stop two stops from the park. If I smell cops, everyone on this bus dies. Understood?"
Light felt Yuri shaking beside him. He reached over, tapping her thigh lightly. She jumped, eyes wide as she turned to him.
"Huh?"
Silently, Light held up a small note, positioning it so his stalker could see it as well. Raye leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing.
Yuri, don't be scared. As soon as he turns around, I'm going to grab the gun out of his hand. The note read.
"Don't be stupid. That's risky. He shifted forward. If it comes to that, I'll handle it." Raye spoke quietly.
Light crumpled the paper, slipping it into his pocket and reaching for another peice before starting to scribble somthing on it.
"No need for notes," Raye whispered, his voice low. "As long as we whisper, the engine will cover our voices."
Light's face remained unreadable as he placed the paper back in his pocket, keeping his voiced low he spoke.
"Do you have proof you're not with him? Why should we trust you?"
Raye stiffened.
"Accomplice? " Yuri said timidly.
The idea was absurd, yet he could see why Light would think that. I have no choice… If Light Yagami were Kira, this guy would be dead already.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved his wallet and handed Light his wallet, containing his ID and a FBI badge. "Here's my proof."
Light studied the ID, his mind racing. FBI. So L brought in outsiders to watch those connected to the police. His name is… Raye Penber.
Composing himself, Light returned the ID with a polite smile. "I trust you. And for now, I won't ask why an FBI agent is here. Do you have a gun?"
Raye nodded. "Yeah, I've got one."
"Then I can rely on you if it comes to it, right?"
"Yes."
A sudden movement. Osoreda was advancing toward an elderly couple. The old woman whimpered, clutching her husband's arm.
"Get up, old hag! You want me to shoot you?"
Raye's breath hitched. I know him… His face was all over the local news just a few days ago. A junkie. Botched a bank robbery, killed three people, then vanished. He's extremely dangerous.
Light moved, letting a crumpled note slip from his pocket. It landed silently near Osoreda's feet. He bent down, feigning concern.
"Don't move, you little punk!" Osoreda barked, pointing the gun at Light and snatching the note up. His eyes scanned it.
Raye tensed. Damn it! If he sees that note, he'll know Light was planning to jump him and take his gun away..
Osoreda scoffed. "Pfft. Date plans?" He crumpled it, tossing it at Light. "Stupid brat."
Light smirked, watching the note land. Gotcha.
As the bus passed under a bridge, shadows flickered across the windows. Suddenly, Osoreda spun around, eyes wild with terror.
"Wh-who the hell are YOU?!"
Ryuk tilted his head, amused. "Huh?"
Osoreda stumbled back, pointing his gun at the empty air. "The guy in the back! What are you doing?!"
Raye's grip tightened on his own weapon. He's hallucinating…?
Osoreda's face twisted in panic. "Stay away from me!"
Ryuk floated forward, grinning. "You can see me? Interesting.."
Osoreda screamed. "S-stay there! Keep away, freak!"
"Everyone get down!" Raye lunged forward.
Light pulled Yuri down as the bus erupted into chaos.
Passengers ducked, gasping and screaming as Osoreda shot at the shinigami. A bullet shattered a window. Another passed harmlessly through Ryuk.
Ryuk's grin widened. "Oh, I get it. Light 'accidentally' dropped a torn page from the Death Note. Since Osoreda touched it, he can see me. Clever."
Osoreda fired wildly, shrieking with every shot but his bullets struck nothing. His breath hitched, his magazine now empty.
"Sorry, pal," Ryuk chuckled, moving towards the man "Shinigami don't die from bullets."
"Get away!" Osoreda screamed as he raced to the front of the bus.
Raye chased after him, running right through the shinigami doing so.
Shaking, he grabbed the bus driver by the collar, shaking him. "Stop the bus! Let me off!"
The driver obeyed with a paniced shriek, slaming on the breaks, the doors hissed open. Osoreda bolted onto the street—straight into oncoming traffic.
Screech. A sickening crunch. Silence.
Raye stood at the open bus door, eyes wide. The driver sat frozen, his hands gripping the wheel. Passengers peeked out in horror, letting out sounds of fear or disgust. Yuri pressed a trembling hand to her mouth as she gasped in shock.
Light adjusted his sleeve, glancing at his watch.
11:45. Right on the dot.
Blood pooled on the pavement, Osoreda's lifeless hand sprawled against the asphalt.
Light's lips curled into a smirk.
The Death Note never fails.
Later that night, Light sat infront of his computer. It's softly glowing screen illuminating his darkend room.
Osoreda's wanted poster was displayed on the screen.
Kiichiro Osoreda. Accidental death.
On the desk, the Death Note lay open, its pages filled with neat handwriting.
Boards the 11:31 Space Land bus, armed. Attempts hijacking. Sees a horrifying phantom. Fires all rounds in terror. Flees the bus. At 11:45, dies in a traffic accident.
His gaze darkened as he turned his attention back to the screen.
"You're next, Raye Penber."