Questions about the World Government and Marines

[Continuity]

I have a couple questions about the World Government and Marines.

I don't mind being spoiled, but if something isn't allowed here feel free to PM me or place spoiler tags.

1. When the Gorōsei say that there are three groups of equal power, whom are they referring to besides the Marines and Shichibukai? Were they referring to the Cipher Pol? The government forces in general (men in black)? The local governments? Some other group? Themselves?

2. How do the Government/Marines get to and from various bases on and off the Grand Line? It would be obvious enough to use Eternal Poses when travelling from places within the Grand Line, but what about cross seas? It seems they don't use Reverse Mountain... If it were some other place (maybe by Mariejoia?) how do they actually cross the Calm Belt, if they do?

3. Are the Admirals the actual strongest members of the Marines, with the Fleet Admiral Sengoku just in charge because of his intelligence? I thought I heard at some point that the three Admirals actually had the fighting power and that Sengoku wasn't a fighter, but correct me if I'm wrong.

If you guys can clear some of this up for me, that'd be great! I'm sure it's all pretty obvious, and I missed it somehow... At any rate, I'd greatly appreciate any replies.

[dragonofraven]

Well, here's the best I can do.

1. Now, when he said three groups, did he say just the marines and such? I forgot, but he could be referring to pirates. So, there's Whitebeards crew(has to be strong), Shanks might be qualified, and the Marines/World Government(Shichibukai work for them, thus they are the same thing).
2. For the Grand Line, either just really good sailing, secret routes, or something. Actually, it might have something to do about the sea behind the Gate of Justice(or whatever it's called at Eines Lobby), because it just opened up "in preparation for the Buster Call," so that might have something to do with it. As for the other seas, the Marine Headquarters is situated at the 2nd entrance to the Grand Line, so it has access to all the other seas.
3. My guess, no. Sengoku is probably the strongest, thus he's the leader of everything. Of course, maybe he's not, but this is just pure guesswork.

[Suzumebachi]

1. When the Gorōsei say that there are three groups of equal power, whom are they referring to besides the Marines and Shichibukai? Were they referring to the Cipher Pol? The government forces in general (men in black)? The local governments? Some other group? Themselves?

I have no idea.

2. How do the Government/Marines get to and from various bases on and off the Grand Line? It would be obvious enough to use Eternal Poses when travelling from places within the Grand Line, but what about cross seas? It seems they don't use Reverse Mountain... If it were some other place (maybe by Mariejoia?) how do they actually cross the Calm Belt, if they do?

Its possible they cross the Calm Belt, since they have a way to get through the Gate of Justice to Impel Down. But don't really recall any marines from the four seas going to the Grand Line besides Smoker, and he took the reverse mountain.


3. Are the Admirals the actual strongest members of the Marines, with the Fleet Admiral Sengoku just in charge because of his intelligence? I thought I heard at some point that the three Admirals actually had the fighting power and that Sengoku wasn't a fighter, but correct me if I'm wrong.

We don't know, but here's hoping Sengoku is a bad ass fighter. He looks awesome.