The light novel 'No Game No Life' also features this trope. Sora and Shiro, the main characters, hide their true strategic and intellectual strength at times. They play games in a world where everything is decided by games, and by hiding their strength, they can gain an advantage over their opponents. They often use this strategy to outwit those who underestimate them.
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.
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.
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.
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.π
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.
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.
πI 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 ~π
"I recommend" The Bamboo Horse of Rebirth ". This is a romantic novel about pure love. The main character, Luo Xi, has Yin-Yang eyes and the ability to predict the future. She can hide her appearance. If you like this type of novel, you might as well read it. I hope you like this fairy's recommendation. Muah ~π
I recommend Genius. The protagonist, Ji Xiaotian, did not hide his strength. Instead, he used his calculation ability to calculate the best moves and mental cultivation techniques. Besides, he would not deliberately hide his strength just to act cool. I hope you like my recommendation.π
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.]