Fugaku had not exaggerated when he called Orochimaru a pioneer and a trailblazer.
Through years of experiments, Orochimaru had refined many of the Second Hokage's ideas and built on them with ideas of his own.
He had developed all manner of jutsu. In breadth of knowledge, perhaps no one in the Shinobi World could surpass him.
Even Fugaku only knew certain events and characters from the story of the Hokage. When it came to the depth of his knowledge, he probably fell short of the Uzumaki Clan assistants stationed in Orochimaru's Secret Laboratory.
Orochimaru smiled. Clearly, he had not expected Fugaku to think so highly of him.
"You flatter me, Fugaku. I wouldn't dare call myself a pioneer. I've merely refined many experiments based on the work of those who came before me.
"I asked you here because something occurred to me while I was learning Sage Mode at Ryūchi Cave."
Fugaku grew serious, with a trace of surprise in his expression.
"Heh. From the look on your face, Fugaku, you've already guessed what I'm about to propose. I want to turn Senjutsu Chakra into a Cursed Seal and implant it in a Ninja's body.
"The Cursed Seal would carry my unique presence. Not only would it grant its bearer great power, but each time they used it, the power within would erode them.
"Given enough time, a Ninja implanted with the Cursed Seal might become my next Clone. Or they might accept the transfer of my soul without any resistance and be consumed by me," Orochimaru said.
"That's an astonishing idea."
Fugaku could not help but marvel. Though this Orochimaru differed from the one in the world Fugaku knew, it seemed the same jutsu would still be born from his hands.
Orochimaru said, "You're not the only one who