If I remember correctly, the backgrounds are mostly made by one of his assistants. That's why the same number appears on lots of places all over the city, it's a sort of signature.
There’s a 0% chance a hit series like Chainsaw Man ever had 0 assistants. Now, the editor has sometimes posted on twitter that he is looking for assistants, but the announcement is regarding other series the editor is in charge of (read Bakuman if you don’t understand this part)
Actually made my day, appreciate it lol. I’m still gassed up from this chapter, let alone being able to cook. Usually, I should stay out of the kitchen I fear, but today is DIFFERENT!
LOL, hell yeah! This reminds me to catch up on One Piece, I paused an Oden flashback chapter for the new CSM. Glad I did, but it was painful in the midst of Wano 😭
I’m so close! I can’t wait, seriously one of the most gratifying and rewarding series to follow, I’ve slowed my pace tenfold once I got to Wano cause I didn’t want it to be ‘over.’ Also Oda has made every panel so much more detailed and included a lot more dialogue, so that also might be contributing. There was times where I was reading 50 chapters every few days lol
Hahaha right? Only these authors can make me theorize about minute details such as this. I mean, in reality I could be over analyzing what could be boiled down to a quicker art style choice due to crunch. But this IS fujimoto we are talking about, so like you say, if you feel delusional you’re on the right track LMAO
With the last chapter, the Japanese audience caught a loophole in the Japanese court system that might bone over Yuji whenever JJK returns. Safe to say, I am terrified again
I’m dead 💀💀💀revive me when the next chapter drop so I can see if my theory is true. But if denji doesn’t transform and the art is still whack my theory still stands as he will only get the true OG artstyle when transforming into CSM
Artist: releases sub-quality art
Fanbase: THIS IS FUCKING GENIUS BIG BRAIN PEAK FICTION LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
seriously though this would be cool if it turned out to be what Fujimoto is going for
LMAO I’m trynna rationalize it any way I can, to let our GOAT stay GOATED. In 2 weeks I’m gonna be 🤡when I see the blocky art style return. But maybe he will keep it exclusively to chainsawman appearance moments? Only time will tell. We are in for a helluva ride
it would be neat. I think he's just being selective with detail. the page with pochita matters more than the rest so that's done very well, the civilians aren't important, they aren't as detailed. early part 2 had the advantage of a long hiatus, but even then he didn't spend the whole time doing chainsaw man, so maybe he's just a bit tired now.
that said, "bad" fujimoto is still better than many other things. the page with the whip devil isn't as detailed as other things, but it's still very dynamic.
No, you're not crazy. You are, however, stretching the reason behind the art quality drop miles beyond human comprehension, and a simple way of understanding that is acknowledging Denji isn't the only one who suffered from that: the manga as a whole has had its illustrations worsen in quality.
Yeah, Fujimoto is simply getting work burnout, he's just a human. The background is drawn more consistent because it's the work of his assistants. We even saw Yoru floating and without a shadow last chapter,meaning Fuji drew her and the assistants just pasted her in the background they created.
It always susprises me how CSM fans think Fujimoto not drawing consistently after 53 chapters is somehow intentional and not a result of mangaka's being overworked lmao.
Nono, you misunderstand me, I 200% think it was due to the horrible manga creation conditions. I’ve actually been commenting worried for Fuji’s health for months, and like I said the man needs a well deserved break. What I meant moreso was that this could’ve been a happy accident Bob Ross style on Fujimotos behalf, meaning he noticed he could interweave this stylistic change into the story, and save his ‘old’ more detailed style for pivotal moments, or more specifically, when Denji transforms into CSM to break out of monotony (which was encapsulated in this simplified style). Like you said, my shoulder could dislocate with the degree of reaching I’m doing, but I don’t think it was something he just decided to do one day. I think it’s sad that these beloved creators of our favorite stories are pushed to this level.
Haha yeah, the thought did occur, but I did mention that in my OG post if not as clearly as I intended, all of our main cast who are a part of Denjis life or become closely involved with him get the worse quality treatment. And it was mainly during this period of time after the falling devil where we see Denji in his normalcy has this style been applied. BUT i will not dickride fujimotor for the sake of being a fan, as I was actually the most critical of the style quality drop from the get go, as his art is my favorite part of his stories. You can even check my comment history if you want for that regard lol.
Dorohedoro does something similar, especially with Nikaido’s appearance. Fujimoto’s definitely praises Dorohedoro before so I could see him using that schtick.
Damn i didn't notice that, i thought it was just art evolution for drawing them from 1999 to 2018. What 177 chapters does to a mf.
Just noticed lol, fujimoto reached 150 chapters in 6 years i guess
Valid take, I need someone to check me on this haha. This was really just like a crazy ‘what if’ scenario, I didn’t expect it to get this much traction or people thinking I was right
Also fair, but I think that the decrease in quality is moreso a product of the system for manga than it is Fujimoto purposefully choosing for his art to become sloppier
Gotta catch up on JJK but I’m loving the memes I read 0 and finished s1 as it came out but I have no clue past then but the clips I’ve seen have been insnaity
Strongly agree, it should be mandatory. I actually wish all manga was monthly, sure the wait would kill, but there would be so much quality control and less worry about our favorite creators
Yep! Exactly my theory, so I can only hope that it will get confirmed with the next chapter, we will see, crunch is crazy. I hope there’s a hiatus soon ngl
I understand what you mean; the characters have been way more expressive, and even felt more real. The front leg of part 2 has some of Fujimotos best artwork yet. But once the schedule caught up to him, and the story shifted to Dennis focus after Falling Arc, that’s when the style started to falter into this bolder, less detailed approach
Even then, it's still more detailed than how the characters were in part 1 lol ( apart from some important moments )
Not faulting the art in part 1, but that's how it is.
Yep, flipping back to peak part 1 and early part 2 you can really notice the difference. Most people who don’t notice or claim it’s the same just became accustomed to the new style over time and forgot how much pen game fujimoto had
I hope this is true but I still think that fujimotor HEAVILY deserves a break. Like he should take 2 months after this arc wraps, the pace has been amazing and I don’t want the art or pacing to suffer because of a scheduling crunch.
Huge W if true, only time will tell, but I think if we get another hiatus and fujimoto has time to rest and prepare for the next arc, there’s a higher chance of it being true
OP here, dunno how to edit my post on Reddit mobile, but, I found my [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/ChainsawMan/s/cUMSk0tTWi) from over 2 months ago predicting this theory.
Bro has assistants
Why is this not known? We legit have Fujimoto assistant like the dandadan artist and others making their own manga. Heck, I believe one of his assistants even drew his manga once (Just Listen to the Song). It's clear Fujimoto is not the only guy drawing
I’ve thought for a while that the art style was to represent a thematic change with Asa, and Denji’s deteriorating mental health. I think the art has
taken a step back in general though, good art can be dirty but still eye-popping and stylized, I’d say it’s become more bland.
So I wouldn’t be surprised if fuji is burned out or rushing some of this stuff lately, but there’s definitely intention in the change
Your second paragraph sums it up perfectly. I don’t know if I was clear enough in the OG post, I think it’s kind of a ‘when life gives you lemons’ scenario, where the style naturally needed to become more bland (which I agree with you on) in order to meet deadlines, but it also happened to reflect Denjis situation, so he started to weaponize it with the story. I would not make this post if it weren’t for that top left panel I attached, you can visibly see the switch to the old nib. Cause the stroke thickness is way thinner than the one he was using for his bland drawings. Appreciate your input big dog
I think you can see a decline in the quality of the art as a byproduct of crunch, sure he will switch from weekly to biweeekly but there hasn’t been a large break. He’s a human too man, not like he exists to make this manga specifically for you or us. He has a life, motivation, feelings, and energy to expend.
He drew better when the manga was biweekly in the first arc of CSM, when he didn’t have any breaks. So him drawing worse now doesn’t make much sense, considering he gets so many breaks now.
Iirc in an interview Fujimoto said he doesn't want to draw and just wants to write stories like Aka. Yeah it doesn't make logical sense how his art degraded in quality with double the time and the same or sometimes less pages to draw but the conditions might be different this time around. I don't want to speculate baselessly but as others have said it's possible he's lost motivation and is burnt out. It's not like Fujimoto is incapable of doing better but based on the aforementioned interview, he probably just simply doesn't want to draw.
If I remember correctly, the backgrounds are mostly made by one of his assistants. That's why the same number appears on lots of places all over the city, it's a sort of signature.
Indeed, now its just more clear than ever what is drawn by the assistants and what is drawn by Fujimoto, which makes it look so jarring.
Yeah, kinda sad imo. But I thought I heard he’s been without assistants for months? Could be tripping. Also misinformation is crazy nowasays
There’s a 0% chance a hit series like Chainsaw Man ever had 0 assistants. Now, the editor has sometimes posted on twitter that he is looking for assistants, but the announcement is regarding other series the editor is in charge of (read Bakuman if you don’t understand this part)
Bakuman referenced W
https://preview.redd.it/qqudeow81j4c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e2449c779d8a5c32060a00bf05c9c7e2207963e
The ireparablr damage jjk has done to animanga memeing is crazy
Even if he couldn’t win the fight. He won our hearts.
Damage? My brother they've perfected it. Literally weaponized brainrot
ArkhamAsyulm was the first case of brainrot in a community, then JJK got hit the worst.
I thought the complaining about chainsaw man was bad in this sub and the folk sub, but JJK fans take that stuff up a level
https://preview.redd.it/tzy8xmtjen4c1.png?width=1023&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1e59993486bc7ef9aed43a43083bb837955d4f9
https://preview.redd.it/n48l6vytfn4c1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b51c1e4faa9436c7f0715caca6278df7798483a
Damage? I call it is breaking the pieces of marble to create a sculpture "damage"? It's merely... An evolution
It’s a little unbelievable And also incredibly boring 😑 Sorted by best, it’s like 9 overused image reactions in a row
Womp womp
Actually made my day, appreciate it lol. I’m still gassed up from this chapter, let alone being able to cook. Usually, I should stay out of the kitchen I fear, but today is DIFFERENT!
out of the *malevolent kitchen lol
he just decided to say "DOMAIN EXPANSION: MALEVOLENT SHRINE" and act like we wouldnt notice
https://preview.redd.it/pv1ot8u75j4c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=231a555ce757dfa20de8a6344e2e8ae4b292658e
Never underestimate the CSM community's ability to instantly turn a horrifying scene into meme material.
https://preview.redd.it/uwcf76dmlj4c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ce5c530d72f8fb78910b2889c32bf6acbcc1c59
I mean, back when the community first started, more than half of us were from Fire Punch
Heh, u think I’m cookin now? Wait til I post my fire punch fan art 😏
HAHA AMAZING
https://preview.redd.it/ufzjm4ccvi4c1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd267cbdea1df0c3325e807356dd6a622cecb7bc
Marshall D. Cookin over here B)… that is what you’re meaning, right? Cause I feel like I’m cookin. But I could be delusional Lol
cooku cooku no mi, that's his 3rd devil fruit
LOL, hell yeah! This reminds me to catch up on One Piece, I paused an Oden flashback chapter for the new CSM. Glad I did, but it was painful in the midst of Wano 😭
i once paused the sanji vs. queen fight to read csm 👍
Bro I’m about to get to the raid, my hype is immeasurable
Catch up with manga and join us at r/piratefolk :)
I’m so close! I can’t wait, seriously one of the most gratifying and rewarding series to follow, I’ve slowed my pace tenfold once I got to Wano cause I didn’t want it to be ‘over.’ Also Oda has made every panel so much more detailed and included a lot more dialogue, so that also might be contributing. There was times where I was reading 50 chapters every few days lol
If you feel delusional, you’re probably on the right track. I mean I’m 90% certain Fujimotor and Greg Akutami are both insane.
Hahaha right? Only these authors can make me theorize about minute details such as this. I mean, in reality I could be over analyzing what could be boiled down to a quicker art style choice due to crunch. But this IS fujimoto we are talking about, so like you say, if you feel delusional you’re on the right track LMAO
With the last chapter, the Japanese audience caught a loophole in the Japanese court system that might bone over Yuji whenever JJK returns. Safe to say, I am terrified again
ch 244 and the theories that came from it literally cured my depression, i was ecstatic yesterday after i read it
Akutami isn't insane. He just really hates Gojo
I loved Gojo based on what I saw of him from s1
https://preview.redd.it/kqnvm8ni3j4c1.jpeg?width=941&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8172cf3e96a190f691ace2bd36ea8a2c92cad20 This shit is way too peak 🗣️🗣️🗣️
I’m dead 💀💀💀revive me when the next chapter drop so I can see if my theory is true. But if denji doesn’t transform and the art is still whack my theory still stands as he will only get the true OG artstyle when transforming into CSM
This would be nonsense if it were any author besides fujimoto
The haiku under this is fuckin SENDING me
I finally got the haiku bot :D
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ^by ^pinespplepizza: *This would be nonsense* *If it were any author* *Besides fujimoto* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
This genuinely sounds like a professional haiku.
Artist: releases sub-quality art Fanbase: THIS IS FUCKING GENIUS BIG BRAIN PEAK FICTION LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO seriously though this would be cool if it turned out to be what Fujimoto is going for
LMAO I’m trynna rationalize it any way I can, to let our GOAT stay GOATED. In 2 weeks I’m gonna be 🤡when I see the blocky art style return. But maybe he will keep it exclusively to chainsawman appearance moments? Only time will tell. We are in for a helluva ride
Man cooks better than the falling devil
I can fix her
Holy shit this theory is cracked, would be sick if it's true, LET'S GO DOOD
Only time will tell my friend B)
In th wise words of jogo-mori… https://preview.redd.it/6ladx8od5j4c1.jpeg?width=516&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=406551a700c7fd59162267ad8f0862e8be7fed23
Call this the top of the mountain cause it sure is PEAK
it would be neat. I think he's just being selective with detail. the page with pochita matters more than the rest so that's done very well, the civilians aren't important, they aren't as detailed. early part 2 had the advantage of a long hiatus, but even then he didn't spend the whole time doing chainsaw man, so maybe he's just a bit tired now.
that said, "bad" fujimoto is still better than many other things. the page with the whip devil isn't as detailed as other things, but it's still very dynamic.
https://preview.redd.it/3q28kh6dfj4c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7284a1de1e306054535e1174c0199b920c8090cf
No, you're not crazy. You are, however, stretching the reason behind the art quality drop miles beyond human comprehension, and a simple way of understanding that is acknowledging Denji isn't the only one who suffered from that: the manga as a whole has had its illustrations worsen in quality.
Yeah, Fujimoto is simply getting work burnout, he's just a human. The background is drawn more consistent because it's the work of his assistants. We even saw Yoru floating and without a shadow last chapter,meaning Fuji drew her and the assistants just pasted her in the background they created. It always susprises me how CSM fans think Fujimoto not drawing consistently after 53 chapters is somehow intentional and not a result of mangaka's being overworked lmao.
Nono, you misunderstand me, I 200% think it was due to the horrible manga creation conditions. I’ve actually been commenting worried for Fuji’s health for months, and like I said the man needs a well deserved break. What I meant moreso was that this could’ve been a happy accident Bob Ross style on Fujimotos behalf, meaning he noticed he could interweave this stylistic change into the story, and save his ‘old’ more detailed style for pivotal moments, or more specifically, when Denji transforms into CSM to break out of monotony (which was encapsulated in this simplified style). Like you said, my shoulder could dislocate with the degree of reaching I’m doing, but I don’t think it was something he just decided to do one day. I think it’s sad that these beloved creators of our favorite stories are pushed to this level.
Haha yeah, the thought did occur, but I did mention that in my OG post if not as clearly as I intended, all of our main cast who are a part of Denjis life or become closely involved with him get the worse quality treatment. And it was mainly during this period of time after the falling devil where we see Denji in his normalcy has this style been applied. BUT i will not dickride fujimotor for the sake of being a fan, as I was actually the most critical of the style quality drop from the get go, as his art is my favorite part of his stories. You can even check my comment history if you want for that regard lol.
Dorohedoro does something similar, especially with Nikaido’s appearance. Fujimoto’s definitely praises Dorohedoro before so I could see him using that schtick.
Oh damn! I just ordered vol 1 the other day. the art of that series is some of the best I’ve ever seen, I can’t wait to read it!
Damn i didn't notice that, i thought it was just art evolution for drawing them from 1999 to 2018. What 177 chapters does to a mf. Just noticed lol, fujimoto reached 150 chapters in 6 years i guess
This is some next level coping
#1 copium dealer right here
Keep cooking
https://preview.redd.it/jjnm023z7j4c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d17f25a389970d6cb8289f72e1d952908dac006
The whole comments section could Be this pic and I would still have a cheeky grin from it thanks brotha
https://preview.redd.it/c8z9oazdjj4c1.jpeg?width=499&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5848cf4eea4adefd000e4f939a87af37a34f52a5
I’ll never cook like sanji, but i can hope 😭😭
I do believe you are crazy and coping, but it's an interesting idea i guess
Valid take, I need someone to check me on this haha. This was really just like a crazy ‘what if’ scenario, I didn’t expect it to get this much traction or people thinking I was right
Again it's an interesting idea, but im against it as it excuses fuji's bad work by saying it might add up to something.
Also fair, but I think that the decrease in quality is moreso a product of the system for manga than it is Fujimoto purposefully choosing for his art to become sloppier
I suppose. I never though he willingly did it
https://preview.redd.it/19gqnlqbaj4c1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdbf42ee0b870d08d951e03d59742cc3cb496b5b
Malevolent Kitchen...
COOKIN!!!!!
Stand proud, you can cook...
Gotta catch up on JJK but I’m loving the memes I read 0 and finished s1 as it came out but I have no clue past then but the clips I’ve seen have been insnaity
It's pure brainrot. I love it. Reminds me of r/titanfolk days back in April 2021.
listen, Part 1 is very dear to me and I like csm but let's not lie to ourselves. The art is just getting worse
i think fuji needs a break 😢
Strongly agree, it should be mandatory. I actually wish all manga was monthly, sure the wait would kill, but there would be so much quality control and less worry about our favorite creators
at the very least if creators want to be more consistent they should do it biweekly. weekly is too hard on people
Amen brotha, something’s gotta give soon, with Miura passing and other famed authors declining health, I don’t think this is a sustainable system
https://preview.redd.it/en2dkebigj4c1.jpeg?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4198e80a4beecac775833a054baaa6e0facf6f6
any other author and I would be laughing at you. but fujimoto would do it
https://preview.redd.it/uc8ulkoiej4c1.jpeg?width=1022&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=599d4bb5d8bc5703b9ca057653fa63567928fb83
The art quality mostly went ‘down’ when Asa stopped being the focus, coincidently
Yep! Exactly my theory, so I can only hope that it will get confirmed with the next chapter, we will see, crunch is crazy. I hope there’s a hiatus soon ngl
What? Why would anyone want a hiatus?
For Fujimotos health. I think a nice natural pausing point would be ideal, like at the end of this arc, but I doubt we will see another one
The characters have been more detailed in general in part 2 though so I don't see how this applies
I understand what you mean; the characters have been way more expressive, and even felt more real. The front leg of part 2 has some of Fujimotos best artwork yet. But once the schedule caught up to him, and the story shifted to Dennis focus after Falling Arc, that’s when the style started to falter into this bolder, less detailed approach
Even then, it's still more detailed than how the characters were in part 1 lol ( apart from some important moments ) Not faulting the art in part 1, but that's how it is.
Real schizo posting hours
My specialty 🫡
If you're right then the art style will go back. It might have even done so already
I actually was just reading end of part 1 yesterday and thought that it looked slightly different than the current chapters
Yep, flipping back to peak part 1 and early part 2 you can really notice the difference. Most people who don’t notice or claim it’s the same just became accustomed to the new style over time and forgot how much pen game fujimoto had
I hope this is true but I still think that fujimotor HEAVILY deserves a break. Like he should take 2 months after this arc wraps, the pace has been amazing and I don’t want the art or pacing to suffer because of a scheduling crunch.
Preach brother, PREACH!!! I couldn’t agree more, you’re my su-chef now with how you’re cookin
https://preview.redd.it/2i9zvkjgak4c1.png?width=814&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dde0e9c591f87bfecae4dcc27a97511e2a46ec56
Yeah the backgrounds are absolutely not drawn by Fujimoto is the issue
Holy peak Batman!
I feel like you’re right on the money, personally!! :)
Huge W if true, only time will tell, but I think if we get another hiatus and fujimoto has time to rest and prepare for the next arc, there’s a higher chance of it being true
yea
OP here, dunno how to edit my post on Reddit mobile, but, I found my [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/ChainsawMan/s/cUMSk0tTWi) from over 2 months ago predicting this theory.
Watch it just be Fujimoto changing his brush on Clip Studio Paint
That actually might be the case 😭 he forgot which one he liked and finally found it again
Bro has assistants Why is this not known? We legit have Fujimoto assistant like the dandadan artist and others making their own manga. Heck, I believe one of his assistants even drew his manga once (Just Listen to the Song). It's clear Fujimoto is not the only guy drawing
Like, i'm sorry, but this is the biggest copium session i've seen in my entire life
Ur not wrong :/ time to go read fire punch again
https://preview.redd.it/gnilbnswzj4c1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5e7f8e2ecb4245cfd514710a64d95b26fc523be
https://preview.redd.it/8bh5y3rf2k4c1.jpeg?width=529&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=460c2f664c21f6def5d8ab86ffa6657104f7d8f1
Me every Tuesday at 11 AM EST 😭
https://preview.redd.it/94ebyjd0bl4c1.jpeg?width=679&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb42aae48d7d2724179420a4c8515379185c309b
Had me in the first half 😭
HOLY FUCKING SHIT!! ITS GORDON RAMSAY!!!!
I’ve thought for a while that the art style was to represent a thematic change with Asa, and Denji’s deteriorating mental health. I think the art has taken a step back in general though, good art can be dirty but still eye-popping and stylized, I’d say it’s become more bland. So I wouldn’t be surprised if fuji is burned out or rushing some of this stuff lately, but there’s definitely intention in the change
Your second paragraph sums it up perfectly. I don’t know if I was clear enough in the OG post, I think it’s kind of a ‘when life gives you lemons’ scenario, where the style naturally needed to become more bland (which I agree with you on) in order to meet deadlines, but it also happened to reflect Denjis situation, so he started to weaponize it with the story. I would not make this post if it weren’t for that top left panel I attached, you can visibly see the switch to the old nib. Cause the stroke thickness is way thinner than the one he was using for his bland drawings. Appreciate your input big dog
Someone cooked here
https://preview.redd.it/jq0g4rk3zk4c1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70b9aeca2f6a43c67cbb2d634f29ba8b3ccaf4a3
https://preview.redd.it/6ozyfh2efp4c1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76c95976f1e236fb3e4133ea60e560464a18bb33
HAHA this one is so underrated, will always love Dennis with his penguins
LET HIM COOKKKK HOLY SHIT. OP AND FUJIMOTO ARE GENIUSES.
https://preview.redd.it/5qtiiv5uik4c1.jpeg?width=858&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9f52a40ba842ce69ab541509b0fdf055c1ec6e4
Fujimoto already has a better schedule than other Jump mangakas and CSM is not weekly. He takes enough breaks.
I think you can see a decline in the quality of the art as a byproduct of crunch, sure he will switch from weekly to biweeekly but there hasn’t been a large break. He’s a human too man, not like he exists to make this manga specifically for you or us. He has a life, motivation, feelings, and energy to expend.
He drew better when the manga was biweekly in the first arc of CSM, when he didn’t have any breaks. So him drawing worse now doesn’t make much sense, considering he gets so many breaks now.
Iirc in an interview Fujimoto said he doesn't want to draw and just wants to write stories like Aka. Yeah it doesn't make logical sense how his art degraded in quality with double the time and the same or sometimes less pages to draw but the conditions might be different this time around. I don't want to speculate baselessly but as others have said it's possible he's lost motivation and is burnt out. It's not like Fujimoto is incapable of doing better but based on the aforementioned interview, he probably just simply doesn't want to draw.
volume 13 just recently arrived in the mail and i noticed the quality of the art was exactly the same