---
The knock was light, precise.
"Enter," L said.
Watari stepped inside, holding a single folder. He closed the door behind him.
"L," he said, "the report has been confirmed."
L did not move. "Proceed."
"Light Yagami passed away this morning," Watari said. "While in custody. The physicians have listed the cause as natural."
There was a pause.
"I see," L replied.
Watari placed the folder on the desk. "There were no incidents. No statements. He was cooperative until the end."
"That is consistent," L said.
Watari watched him carefully. "The case is now formally closed."
"Yes," L said. "It has been for some time."
Watari hesitated. "Would you like the file archived under Kira… or under Light Yagami?"
L considered this briefly.
"Both," he said. "History should decide which name endures."
Watari nodded. "There has been no public reaction. Most people no longer remember him."
"That," L said, "is also consistent."
Watari allowed a faint smile. "You sound… resolved."
"Resolution does not require celebration," L replied. "Only accuracy."
Watari turned toward the door, then stopped. "If circumstances had been different—"
"They were not," L said, calmly.
Another pause.
"Very well," Watari said. "Shall I inform the remaining task force members?"
"Yes," L said. "And see that the records remain complete. No embellishments."
"Of course."
Watari left.
L remained seated, looking at the empty space across from him.
"Light Yagami is no longer a suspect," he said quietly.
The room offered no response.
"And Kira," L added, "is no longer a threat."
He reached for the folder, closed it, and placed it aside.
Outside, the world continued—unchanged, uninterrupted, and unconcerned with the end of a man who once believed it revolved around.
---