Yes, Touta Matsuda expressed regret and doubt concerning Light Yagami's death, particularly in the aftermath when global crime rates returned to their pre-Kira levels.
Matsuda's Post-Kira Regret
Matsuda's feelings about Light's demise are complex and nuanced, as depicted in the manga. His regret was not necessarily for Light as a person, but for the societal changes—or lack thereof—that followed Kira's eradication.
- The Return of Crime: A significant factor contributing to Matsuda's regret was the observation that after Light's death, the global crime rate reverted to what it was before Light began operating as Kira. During Kira's reign, the fear of divine judgment led to a dramatic decrease in criminal activity worldwide, creating a period of unprecedented peace. The dissolution of this order deeply troubled Matsuda.
- Conversation with Ide: Matsuda openly voiced his concerns to Ide, questioning the righteousness of their actions. He pondered whether they had truly done the right thing by stopping Kira, given the immediate resurgence of crime and the subsequent loss of the perceived "golden age" of reduced criminal activity.
- Moral Dilemma: This suggests Matsuda wrestled with a profound moral dilemma. While he was instrumental in bringing down Light, the practical outcome of their victory—the return of a high crime rate—made him question the overall benefit of their success. His regret stemmed from the utilitarian consequences, or lack thereof, of eliminating Kira.
Matsuda's sentiment highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding Light's actions as Kira and the ambiguous nature of justice in the series.