Death Note Story Arcs Guide
Episode ranges, plot summaries, and frequently asked questions for every major arc in Death Note. Updated 2026.
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Light vs L Arc
What episodes are the Light vs L arc in Death Note?
Episodes 1–25. Light Yagami finds the Death Note, becomes Kira, and plays a deadly cat-and-mouse with L — the world's greatest detective.
What are the core Death Note rules?
The Death Note kills anyone whose name is written while picturing their face. Default death: heart attack. The writer can control timing and circumstances within 13 days of writing. Shinigami originally own the notebooks.
What is L's method for identifying Kira?
L narrows Kira to Japan by analyzing which criminals die based on broadcast schedules. He deduces Kira needs victim names and faces. L then enrolls in Light's university and becomes his direct 'friend' — the most dangerous investigative move imaginable.
How does L die?
L dies in episode 25. Light manipulates Rem (Misa's Shinigami) into killing L to protect Misa. Rem writes L's real name — a devastating victory for Light that feels hollow even as it happens.
Near & Mello Arc
What episodes are the Near and Mello arc?
Episodes 26–37. L's two successors — Near (analytical) and Mello (emotional) — compete to catch Kira from different angles.
How does Near catch Kira?
Near deduces the Death Note pages being used have been switched — the real notebook replaced. By forcing Light's team to move the notebook (via Mello's interference), Near creates the perfect scenario: Light orders Mikami to use the real notebook, which Near has already swapped. Light is exposed.
How does Light die?
Exposed at the Yellow Box Warehouse in episode 37. Shot multiple times by Matsuda, mortally wounded and trying to escape — Ryuk writes Light's name in his own Death Note, ending the game that amused him from the very beginning.