Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~ Set a thief to catch a thief

Code: Realize ~Guardian of Rebirth~: Set a thief to catch a thief serves as the first installment in the multi-part original video animation series based on the otome visual novel developed by Otomate. Released in 2018, these episodes were produced by M.S.C and directed by Hideyo Yamamoto to expand upon the narrative of the 2017 anime adaptation. The project aimed to provide fans with a lighthearted side story, focusing on the character Arsène Lupin as he navigates a playful heist scenario, maintaining the steampunk-inspired aesthetic that defines the franchise.

The character designs for the animation were adapted by Aya Nakanishi, who preserved the intricate Victorian-era fantasy style established by original illustrator Miko. By shifting the tone from the high-stakes drama of the main game to a more episodic, comedic caper, the production sought to capitalize on the audience's affection for the game's cast of literary-inspired figures. It was received by the established fanbase as a comfortable return to the familiar world of London, appreciated primarily for its character-driven focus rather than major plot progression.