Uzumaki Kuming followed Kakashi into the Hatake Clan compound. They had barely entered when he spotted Hatake Sakumo and his wife standing outside a home in the distance, quietly waiting for something.
Seeing the scene, Kuming couldn't help feeling puzzled.
"It's only dinner, Senior Hatake. You're being far too formal!"
Kakashi led Kuming to his front door. When Kuming saw Hatake Sakumo, he smiled and said,
"Haha, you're here, Kuming." To make things feel more familiar, Hatake Sakumo addressed him by name, then turned slightly and introduced his wife.
"This is my wife, Delia."
"Delia was once an excellent ninja herself. She just stopped being one after marrying me."
"Delia, this is Uzumaki Kuming. He's Kakashi's Jonin instructor now."
As Hatake Sakumo made the introductions, Kuming nodded to the woman, who seemed rather gentle and reserved. He wasn't putting on airs; she was Hatake Sakumo's wife, so acting too familiar would be inappropriate. A nod was enough.
Women held a relatively high status in the Shinobi World, but customarily took their husbands' surnames after marriage. That was why Hatake Sakumo hadn't told Kuming his wife's surname and had only given her name.
"Kuming, come in and have a seat. We didn't know when you'd arrive, so dinner will take a little while."
Hatake Sakumo stepped aside and gestured for Kuming to enter, his manner exceptionally courteous.
"That's all right. I'm not very hungry yet."
Kuming noticed Hatake Sakumo's polite manner and nodded before stepping inside. Kakashi was quick on his feet; he trotted ahead of Kuming to show him the way.
Although the Hatake Clan could be considered a declining ninja clan, Hatake Sakumo's efforts over the years had left the family fairly well-off. Their home was spacious. It couldn't compare to those of the great clans like the Hyuga