L is described as "the world's greatest detective", it is also revealed that he also keeps aliases which bear the ranks of world's 2nd and 3rd best detective. He is extremely secretive, to the point where he rarely appears in public preferring to use Watari as a go between in most of his cases. He found the Kira case demanded that he show his face to the task force. Still, he keeps his real name a secret, insisting that the members of the task force address him as Ryuzaki. His real name is unknown throughout the whole series, only to be revealed in the series compendium, Death Note: How to Read 13. He is extremely intelligent, to the point of matching, even surpassing Light. Despite this, he seems unable to adapt to many social norms. He seems to lack an understanding of others on an emotional level, often making offensive remarks in innocence. He always slouches and adapts strange postures in simple situations, such as squatting on a chair as opposed to sitting in it. A major character trait of his is his constant consumption of confectioneries.