That was a surprisingly honest and forthright answer. Rukia wouldn't have pressed him if he'd dodged the question, as that would have been answer enough, but she appreciated that he took no pains to hide things from her. In return, she trusted what he told her to be the truth. She nodded once with a smile to show she was pleased to hear about the improvement, and let it lie at that.

"I suppose cooking greatly resembles chemistry. I wouldn't question your skill so much as your desire to learn at all." She studied the simmering pot thoughtfully. If he was in the military, it wasn't unusual to eat what was prepared for the division as a whole. Occasionally soldiers would eat at diners and restaurants, but in general...

Maybe it was less odd than she supposed. Many of her male acquaintances enjoyed cooking and were very good at it. Why should Jade be any different?

"If it's no imposition," she shrugged with a grin. "You were only cooking for one person, after all, before I dropped by. I've never made cold soba before, though. How is it done?" The broth smelled good, and eggs were some of her favorite things to eat. He may have nodded to the table, but Rukia remained in the kitchen. A cooking lesson was always useful, and if he did have enough ingredients to serve two, then she could at least help with the dishes.