In the first episode of the mini-series “Death Note: New Generation,” the Kira killer issues a warning regarding the return of the public prosecutor. While Mishima Tsukuru is also engaged in the Death Note investigation and is always keen on the task, he must outsmart a brilliant mind like L. Episode 2, titled “The Danger,” officially introduces the successor to L’s title: Ryuzaki.
Episode 2 opens with a thrilling chase involving Interpol Hong Kong and a familiar scene featuring L. Interpol is eager to hear L’s insights regarding the mysterious murder of a teacher named Piers. Subsequently, L methodically uncovers clues leading to the conclusion that this is a case of murder inside a locked room, and that the perpetrator had executed the crime in a way that mimicked the locked room scenario.
If we previously knew L as someone who was distinct from others yet somewhat aloof, in this dialogue with Interpol, he showcases a more daring and confident demeanor, unlike the socially awkward L Lawliet we encountered before. At a point when Interpol had to adhere to his analyses and the only thing they could do was to detain the teacher Piers, L immediately quipped, “Well, that’s it!” This confident L is a stark contrast to the distant L Lawliet of old.
The familiar scene featuring L
Ryuzaki
The next film adaptation shows Ryuzaki (L) having a close relationship with Near (one of the two detectives trained to succeed L) and J (a character from Wammy’s House, appearing only in the Death Note game). The audience only hears Near’s voice through the phone, while J directly assists Ryuzaki in this encounter with the new Kira.
Although he is the official successor to L, Ryuzaki is portrayed as someone who is not satisfied with the title and the case of Death Note. Only when J reminds Ryuzaki of the unusual behavior analysis of an online idol during a live stream, Ryuzaki quickly dissects the idol’s nonsensical statement: “Shiru mo moratte kita wayo,” which is a twist on the phrase: “Kira, I also have (Death Note) this” (“Kira, watashi mo motteru yo”). J only acknowledges after unraveling the mystery on screen, while L continues tirelessly with the case. The familiar face of L reappears.
Character J
Live stream of the idol
The table setting for J is ready for Ryuzaki, but he does not bring it.
Ryuzaki retains the demeanor of L
Ryuzaki is very focused on solving the case and has a somewhat arrogant personality. He drives a motorcycle and breaks into the safe.
At the idol’s residence, Ryuzaki discovers that the girl had used a knife to end her life in a locked room. It’s not difficult for the detectives to realize that the girl’s behavior had been manipulated by Death Note. During the analysis of the live stream on the laptop, Ryuzaki noted a comment from a user who claimed to be a fan of the idol: “She’s dead.” Ryuzaki replied, “Not dead yet.”
Ryuzaki begins to converse with “New Kira 2”
In just a few minutes, the actor has revealed many details compared to the first 15 minutes of the film. Ryuzaki continues to be intrigued by the conversation with the cold-blooded killer—a kid whose motives for murder are utterly trivial. The chase is being led by Ryuzaki to find out the identity of the girl when she is interrupted by a message from the third party: “Let’s not waste our time with the kid.” Ryuzaki noted the message with disdain.
The third party interrupts the conversation
Simultaneously, Ryuzaki’s webcam has been activated, proving the involvement of a third party in the case. If the death of Natsugawa in episode 1 was a warning, in episode 2, the new Kira and those holding the Death Note officially initiate the battle.
The webcam activates
The new Kira is seizing control of the machine
Aoi Sakura recalls the new Shinigami’s name: “Apple, I just came up with a brilliant idea.”
A somewhat arrogant Ryuzaki, not satisfied with the title of “L’s successor,” also begins to utter a line reminiscent of L’s earlier days, declaring: “It’s time for the final battle!” The evil legacy of L is officially continued.
Ryuzaki exhibits the image of L from before
Episode 3 of the mini-series will focus on “New Kira,” Shien Yuki—a hacker who is Kira’s ally.
