Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Top-ranked student Yagami Light is disenchanted with the world around him. Through a series of events, he comes into possession of the ultimate power over life and death: a supernatural "death note" which can kill nearly anyone at his whim. As Light sets off on a crusade-turned-killing-spree, investigators from a police task force try to stop the mysterious deaths - including Light's own father, a senior policeman.