Checkmate

The murder rate in Tokyo has risen to statistically abnormal levels. The pattern suggests intention rather than coincidence. Someone is passing judgment... and doing so with remarkable consistency.

Naturally, the investigation required a mind capable of recognizing patterns hidden beneath ordinary logic. That is why the task force brought in a detective known only as L. Many have seen his face. None know his real name. That anonymity is... useful.

Among those now connected to the case is Light Yagami. Model student. Exemplary reputation. Impeccable grades. To most people, he appears to be exactly what society expects a prodigy to be. Yet the probability that Light Yagami is connected to these events remains... non-zero. In fact, my current estimate places it considerably higher.

For over a year I have observed him.

To describe the situation simply: while everyone else has been playing tic-tac-toe, Light Yagami has been playing chess.

However, chess becomes significantly more interesting when the opponent understands the rules.

There is also Misa. Three years as Light's girlfriend, though her intellectual interests do not appear to include strategic games. Coincidentally, Misa and I attended the same school several years ago. She once asked for my number at graduation. An attempt at maintaining contact, I assume. No messages were ever exchanged.

When we met again recently, she seemed... enthusiastic. Humans often react that way when encountering familiar faces.

Unfortunately, my attention was elsewhere.

Light Yagami.

Two players. One board. Thirty-two pieces.

A question remains.

Is Light the king... or the player moving the pieces?

I suppose we will find out soon enough.