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 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.
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.
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.]
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.
Here are a few recommendations for novels where the male protagonist in ancient costume hides his strength:
1. "Douluo: My Strength Was Almost Exposed": The story of the male protagonist hiding his strength on Douluo Continent and obtaining generous rewards through hiding. This was an oriental fantasy work.
2. " The Qin Emperor ": The story of the male protagonist hiding his strength at the beginning and eventually having multiple powerful identities. This book belonged to the category of magic schools.
3. The male lead of the movie was a hedonistic prince who hid his strength. This was a fantasy novel.
I hope these recommendations can satisfy your needs for novels about the hidden strength of the male protagonist in ancient costumes.