Japan could try to neutralize the British carrier quickly with whichever carriers were ready. After disrupting Japanese operations, Force Z could withdraw to the other side of Singapore while reinforcements arrived, frustrating that attempt. An improvised small attack is less likely than a larger concentration in this scenario, since Japanese carrier practice favored overwhelming force against a main enemy fleet. The Aleutian operation is treated as a diversion, explaining its smaller allocation.
Notable Point · 2:23:58-2:24:55
Could Japan rush a smaller carrier force south?
A rapid Japanese carrier response is possible, but a preference for overwhelming concentration makes a larger operation more likely.