The over-complicated plan

L Lawliet

We now have sufficient evidence that Light Yagami is Kira. The probability has reached 97.8%.

L Lawliet

Near, we could simply have him arrested... but where's the intellectual satisfaction in that?

Near

Indeed. A straightforward approach lacks elegance, L.

Near

I propose we construct an elaborate trap involving 23 FBI agents, 4 fake notebooks, and a blimp.

L Lawliet

Too simple. What if we hire 12 identical actors to pretend to be me, forcing Light to determine which is the real L?

L Lawliet

(The confusion on Light's face would be worth the 13% increased risk to my life.)

Near

Not bad. But consider this: we publicly announce we're abandoning the Kira case, then disguise ourselves as pastry chefs to infiltrate his favorite cake shop.

L Lawliet

We'll need a minimum of 47 surveillance cameras, 18 wiretaps, and at least 30 pounds of assorted confectioneries to pull this off.

L Lawliet

The sugar content is essential to maintaining my deductive reasoning at peak performance.

Near

What if we simply sent Matsuda to tell Light we know he's Kira? The secondhand embarrassment alone might cause him to confess.

L Lawliet

Near... did you just... suggest something straightforward?

L Lawliet

Are you feeling unwell? Should I call Watari?

Near

Of course not. I was testing you. My actual plan involves seven different chess games played simultaneously while we recreate the entire investigation using marionettes.

Near

Light wouldn't expect puppets. That's our psychological advantage.