L, known by his full name L Lawliet, is the world’s greatest detective and a central figure in Death Note Relight 2 - L’s Successors. Raised in the Wammy’s House orphanage in England—a facility founded by his assistant Watari—L was a prodigy who solved numerous international cases before the Kira incident. He is a slim, pale young man with disheveled black hair and distinctive dark circles under his eyes, often seen wearing a plain white shirt and blue trousers. His eccentric habits include crouching in chairs, holding objects with only his thumb and index finger, and consuming large amounts of sweets to fuel his intense mental activity. L’s personality is marked by extreme intelligence, bluntness, and a near-total disregard for social norms; he is motivated more by the intellectual challenge of a case than by a conventional sense of justice, though he does oppose Kira’s vigilante killings as a matter of principle. His investigative approach relies on subterfuge, misinformation, and careful analysis of human behavior, and he is known for his calm demeanor under pressure.

In Death Note Relight 2 - L’s Successors, L appears primarily through flashback and narration, as the special focuses on the aftermath of his death at the hands of Light Yagami. However, his influence permeates the story: his legacy is carried forward by his two designated successors, Near and Mello, both also from Wammy’s House. The special includes a scene of L speaking to the orphans before departing for the Kira investigation, underscoring his role as a mentor figure. L’s key relationship was with Watari, his loyal assistant who handled all external communication and logistics. His rivalry and intellectual duel with Light Yagami defined the first half of the series; L correctly suspected Light was Kira from early on and used methods such as the Lind L. Tailor broadcast and a physical chain binding himself to Light to expose him. Despite his brilliance, L’s caution and reliance on proof prevented him from definitively catching Light before being killed by Rem using the Death Note. In the special, L’s successors embody his methods in different ways: Near adopts L’s analytical, detached style, while Mello pursues a more aggressive, risk-taking path. L’s notable abilities include deductive reasoning that borders on prescience, strategic planning, and unexpected physical prowess—his fighting style, reminiscent of capoeira, is displayed when he kicks Light while chained to him. His development lies in his acceptance of his own mortality and his preparation for a posthumous victory, as his orphans ultimately dismantle Kira’s regime.