The story of Death Note tells the grim tale of Light Yagami, the brilliant high school student, and his rise as the criminal mastermind Kira. Of course, this will attract some attention, and L, the world's best detective, was soon on the case. A serious battle of wits ensued, and only one man could survive in the end.
By now, most anime fans know that Light won this battle of wits, and L's death concluded Death Note's first major story arc. Looking back, there are some signs, hints, and scenes that suggested L's doom for one reason or another. It soon becomes clear that Light's triumph was not only plausible but practically inevitable. What might those giveaways be?
10 When Light Declared His Intent To Kill L
Every shonen lead needs a worthwhile rival, and only days after Light got the Death Note, L tricked him with a "worldwide" broadcast that lured Light into killing Lind L. Taylor. Then the real L issued a challenge.
Both characters are prideful and stubborn, and they each declared that they are righteous and that the other shall die. Both of them spoke with utter conviction, but given how Light is the protagonist, his words carry more weight. L made an enemy that, for plot reasons, he cannot defeat.
9 When Light Demonstrated How Brutal He Was
Early in the series, another FBI detective got onto Light's trail: Naomi Misora, the fiancee of the fallen Raye Penber. Light ended up killing her, even after talking face to face, and Light killed Raye in a similarly cold fashion.
It became clear that Light is brutal and merciless to any opposition, not just to prisoners. With ruthless and vicious tactics like these, it became evident that L was hugely playing with fire.
8 When L Was Forced To Investigate In Person
L tried to investigate Kira remotely, mainly using Light's father, Soichiro Yagami, and the other detectives (and FBI agents). But soon, L realized that he would have to face Kira directly. No more shadow games.
In many ways, doing this took L out of his comfort zone and put him in danger. To his credit, L bravely faced the odds and did his best. But if he's forced to operate like this, then surely something has gone wrong, and that may spell doom. And it did.
7 When Light Beat L At Tennis
This scene was symbolic more than anything, but looking back, it was a clear doom flag for dear old L. Both he and Light were skilled tennis players, and they decided to play a few rounds at the To-Oh campus' tennis court.
The two characters tried to assess each other's goals and motives, all while playing to win. In the end, Light won six games to four, and indeed, L will lose the back-and-forth game of wits before too long.
6 When Misa Amane Appeared
For a time, the battle of wits was 1-vs-1, but all that changed when Misa Amane, the 2nd Kira, appeared. She was first seen walking along a busy Tokyo street, decked out in stylish Goth clothes and with a shinigami to match.
Through her conversation with Rem the shinigami, Misa made it clear that she was about to take Kira's side, and what is more, she had already made the eye deal. How can L possibly stand up to this power?
5 When Rem Stated That She Can Kill L Without Consequence
Ryuk the shinigami was merely an amused observer, while Rem was more like Misa's guardian, taking an active role in Misa's affairs. When Misa and Light officially became Kira's allies, Rem had something to offer, too.
Light wanted Rem to kill L, and Misa backed up Light's request. Rem agreed to do it since Rem had no personal connection to L and could kill him without dying in the process. L is really in a tight bind here.
4 When Light And Misa Escaped Incarceration
At one point in the story, Misa slipped up, and L captured her as a Kira suspect. Rem demanded that Light take action, so Light turned himself in as another Kira suspect and was put into confinement.
Light gave up his notebook and memories, and Kyosuke Higuchi took over as Kira. So, Light and Misa were freed, and this gave them extra protection against L's suspicions. By now, the battle was practically one-sided, so it became easier than ever to predict L's defeat later on.
3 When Light Regained His Notebook And Memories
As Light hoped, he and L managed to capture Kyosuke Higuchi, the 3rd Kira and confiscated his notebook. Light touched it and regained all his memories. When he killed Higuchi, Light regained ownership of the notebook, too.
Light's plan unfolded perfectly, a moment of smug triumph. Light was in full-blown villain mode, and he declared—in his head—that Light is next. It was an easy claim to believe.
2 When Light's Investigation Hit A Wall
By now, L's death was close at hand, and it was rapidly becoming clear that he was on the brink of oblivion. Light was fully restored as Kira (which L didn't know), and L had no new leads on who or where Kira might be.
Worse yet, L couldn't even get any useful intel out of Rem, who had been instructed not to tell L anything too helpful when questioned. L's investigation had stalled out, and clearly, it was time to put him out of his misery.
1 When Misa Resumed Operations As Kira
Light's plan had a few more boxes left to check. Now Light was Kira again, and Light made sure that Misa covertly regained her notebook, memories, and shinigami eyes as well. Now, under Light's secret orders, Misa is acting as Kira once again.
This put Misa in danger of getting caught, and Rem, who was ultra-protective of Misa, wouldn't let that stand. Light mentally urged Rem to kill L and even Watari to protect Misa, and it was all too clear that Rem would do as Light wanted. By now, there was no hope for escaping Light's plan by any means. Sure enough, L, Watari, and Rem all met a gruesome end.