To balance the net ionic equation for the reaction between MnO4- and HSO3- in an acidic solution, one must recognize it as a redox reaction involving an oxidizing agent (MnO4-) and a reducing agent (HSO3-). The key is to identify the appropriate half-cell reactions by consulting a table of redox potentials, focusing on the manganese species transitioning to MnO or MnO2. The bisulfite ion requires careful selection of half-reactions to balance with the reactants, ensuring favorable redox potentials. Understanding the specific conditions under which the reaction occurs is also crucial for accurate balancing. This approach will lead to the correct balanced net ionic equation.