Another theme is growth. Often, these characters are not only hiding their strength but also growing in power secretly. They might be training in isolation or learning new skills without others knowing. This internal growth is then shown externally when they unveil their true strength. In 'Solo Leveling', the main character's growth while hiding his power is a significant part of the story.
One common device is the element of surprise. For example, in 'Solo Leveling', when Sung Jin - Woo suddenly shows his enhanced powers in a battle, it surprises both the enemies and other characters. Another is the underdog story arc. The main character is often underestimated, like Naofumi in 'The Rising of the Shield Hero', which adds to the tension and excitement when their strength is finally revealed.
One reason could be self - protection. In many light novels, the world is filled with danger. If the main character reveals his full strength too early, he might attract unwanted enemies. For example, in a world full of power - hungry villains, showing off strength could make the character a target.
Well, 'The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor' also fits. The main character keeps his real skills and power under wraps. He has to navigate through a virtual world while concealing his true capabilities, and the story unfolds as he gradually unveils his strength in different situations.
I recommend the book 'Douluo: My Strength Was Almost Exposed' to you. The main character Jiang Chen activated the hidden strength system after he crossed over to Douluo Continent. As long as he hid his strength well, no one would be able to find out how powerful he was. From then on, there was another hidden king on Douluo Continent. I hope you like this recommendation.😘
Another example is 'Sword Art Online'. Kirito often hides his full capabilities in the game world. He doesn't always show his best skills and strength, especially when he wants to avoid unwanted attention or when he is trying to figure out the motives of other players. He only reveals his true strength when it's absolutely necessary, like when facing powerful bosses or protecting his friends.
One popular one is 'Solo Leveling'. The main character, Sung Jin - Woo, initially appears weak but gradually reveals his incredible strength. Another is 'Overlord', where the protagonist Momonga hides his true power in the new world he is transported to. And 'The Rising of the Shield Hero' also has a main character, Naofumi Iwatani, who is underestimated at first and hides his growing capabilities.
There were many animes in which the male lead hid his strength. Here are some of the more famous ones: Naruto: Naruto Uzumaki had been hiding his strength throughout the story and only showed it when necessary. 2 One Piece: Monchi D. Luffy Although he was a pirate, he had always hidden his fruit ability until he became One Piece. [3]" Death ": The King of the Void Ring, Aizen Yuusuke, had been hiding his true strength until he successfully destroyed the Void Ring before he was recognized. [4. The Attacking Giant: Alan Yeager has been hiding his Giant's Power until he successfully activates it.] [5: The Blade of Ghost Destruction: Tanjiro had been hiding his talents in the story until he successfully defeated the ghost. Only then did people realize it.]
😋I recommend the following books to you: 'The Dawn Effect': The protagonist, Tangning, transforms into an outstanding survivor in a foreign world. Together with her companions, she takes risks to survive in a world where mutated beasts and the undead run rampant. "The Big Boss's Pleasant Life in the Other World": The protagonist, a certain male, was a standard otaku, but he had super gaming skills and began a pleasant adventure in the other world with his companions. Tarot Apprentice: The protagonist is lonely and weak at the beginning of his life, but together with his companions from Saint Tarot Academy, he begins to search for his life goal and meaning. Adventurer's Paradise I: The protagonist, Ye Qianwu, accepts the most dangerous mission to survive. She and her companions travel the world to find the truth. I hope you like this fairy's recommendation. Muah ~😗
A new dragon - hunter could be the main antagonist. He might be extremely skilled and ruthless, and Hiccup hides his strength to better understand this new threat and find a way to defeat him without putting his village in immediate danger.
" School Magician " was a school anime with a magic theme. The male protagonist, Xiao Chun, was an ordinary high school student, but he had the ability to hide his strength. He was a powerful magician under unknown circumstances. In the anime, Xiao Chun kept hiding her true identity and spent happy days on campus with the heroine Xiao Xia. After transforming, Xiao Chun could also use powerful magic power.