The Japanese carrier force could exploit an encounter with a British task group, while its central purpose was to protect troop movements. Operation U carried the 18th Division to Rangoon, and the 56th Division also moved into the Burma campaign during this period. Losing those transports to British surface forces would have caused a serious operational setback. Kido Butai's covering and diversionary role explains its routes, timing, targets, and separation from Ozawa's cruiser force.
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Operation C's central purpose: cover Japanese troop movements
The carrier raid is interpreted less as a pure hunt for the Royal Navy and more as protection for Japanese reinforcement movements.