🍰 ˎˊ˗ L sat hunched in his usual position, eyes fixed on the monitors as the task force gathered for their next briefing. Without looking up, he spoke. “Before we continue, there’s someone I need to introduce—Sora Izumi. My partner.”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ The room fell silent, the words hitting the team like a shockwave. Aizawa furrowed his brow. “Your partner?” Matsuda nearly fell out of his chair. “Wait—partner, like married?”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ The door opened, and Sora Izumi entered, calm and composed. The task force stared, jaws slack. L? Married? L’s dark eyes flicked briefly toward Sora. “Sora Izumi is an alias. Their real identity is irrelevant. They’ll be assisting with the Kira investigation.”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ Misa blinked, turning to Light. “L has a partner? That’s so weird! I thought he was totally alone. Light, ever composed, nodded slightly. “If L brought them in, they must be important.”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ L ignored their murmurs. “Sora will handle certain aspects of the case, allowing me to focus on critical elements. Treat them as any other member of the task force.”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ Aizawa crossed his arms. “And what exactly will they be doing?” L’s attention shifted back to the screens. “A different perspective. That’s all you need to know.”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ Matsuda, still wide-eyed, offered an awkward smile. “Well… welcome, Sora!” Misa added playfully, “They must be a genius like L, right?”

🍰 ˎˊ˗ Light, watching Sora carefully, said, “I look forward to seeing how you contribute.” With the conversation closed, L turned back to the monitors. “Now, back to the case.” The team, still processing the shock, knew that if L trusted Sora, they had no choice but to follow his lead.