A three-triple-turret alternative to five twins

What cruiser design could replace the five-twin-turret Japanese layout?

Nine 8-inch guns in three triple turrets would leave more hull space for aviation and dual-purpose weapons.

An alternative design keeps the Japanese cruiser's basic mission but changes the battery. Two triple turrets forward and one aft would provide six-gun forward fire and a nine-gun broadside with fewer mountings than five twins. The reduced turret count would release hull length for aviation handling and simplify the firing arrangement. A larger battery of 100 mm or comparable dual-purpose guns could deal with destroyers and aircraft without using an 8-inch turret for every threat. The design might require somewhat more beam, but that additional width could also support the aviation facilities. This was a proposed arrangement rather than a ship Japan constructed or fully engineered.