Death Note's power system is a single supernatural item with complex rules. The series is less about power and more about information — who knows what, when they know it, and how that knowledge can be weaponized.

Death Note Rules

The Death Note operates by a strict ruleset that both Light and his opponents study, exploit, and use as battlefield:

Core Rule

The human whose name is written in this note shall die. The writer must have the subject's face in mind while writing to prevent killing someone with the same name.

Cause of Death

If a cause of death is written within 40 seconds of the name, it will happen. If the cause requires a specific action, the victim will be compelled to perform it.

Default

If no cause is specified, the victim dies of a heart attack. Kira's signature method — detectable only by pattern, not evidence.

Ownership Rules

Touching the Death Note allows you to see the Shinigami attached to it. Surrendering ownership erases all memory of the Note. This is the core mechanic of Light's alibi strategy.

Shinigami Eyes

A trade with the owner's Shinigami grants the ability to see any person's name and remaining lifespan floating above their head. Cost: half the user's remaining lifespan. With Shinigami Eyes, a Death Note user can kill anyone in person without knowing their name — eliminating the biggest barrier to use.