Absolute Anime

The sand are allies with Konoha but Orichimaru has assasinated the Kazekage and dressed up like him to fool the sand into attacking Konoha. Orichimaru commands the sound so he used them as well in the attack. The Hokage dies using the fourths special jutsu against Orichimaru, sealing his powers inside himself.

Sasuke leaves to get more power because he sees that Naruto is growing stronger than himself and he needs to gain more power faster. So he sneaks out of Konoha to join up with Orichimaru and escorting him is his special bodyguards. Neji, Naruto, Kiba, Chouji, Akamaru and Shikamaru set out after Sasuke to bring him back. There is no romance in the series between any characters whatsovever so far and I doubt there will be yet. This is not a highschool love anime so I doubt they focus on such things.

Hope this helped sort out things.

Ok, I've just finished watching episodes 66-68, and I'm starting to get a little confused...

So, why are the Sand attackign Konoha when they're allies?
because, konoha was stealing there buissness, orochimaru was actually the kazekage so doing that he told everyone about a secret plan to attack konoha
Who are the ANBU?
another rank of nina,these are speciatly squads that only answer to the hokage directly
At the end of episode 67, they're a bunch of sound ninja going around and summoning this huge snake thing. Then, I realize that Orochimaru was Kazekage the whole time! Orochimaru is the leader of the Sound, rite?
yes
What do Sand and Sound have in common?
as orochimaru as the mastermind of the plot, and general hate between Konoha. the reason why is because konoha has been stealing sand buissness
Why is Kabuto so important to Orochimaru?
he's a great spy, aand the on,ly medical ninja in Orochimaru's possesion
WHy doesn;t Orochimaru kill Hokage?
he did

Actually, Orichimaru didn't kill the Hokage, the Hokage sacrificed his life to destroy Orichimaru's ability to use jutsus. One more thing, there is no hate between the Sand and Konoha, they are allies, but the sand are decieved by Orichimaru.