This is the arc that made me love Kira actually. As you say, he's an irredeemable monster, but seeing him trying to act like a family man, even developing feelings for Shinobu… (Not quite love, perhaps, but at least he's protective of her.) I don't know, it's just oddly endearing to watch.

And honestly, who wouldn't want to protect Shinobu. My God, she's cute.

You know, it's strange. I know that Kira is an irredeemable monster, but throughout this entire arc every time these two interact I'm just like "Dammit Kira, pork her already!" I feel like I'm cheering for the wrong person here…